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GOSPEL  SONNETS; 

O    K, 


SPIRITUAL 


ymm 


INSTX  PARTS.    • 

I.  The  Believer's  Espousals, 

II.  The  Believer's  Jointure, 

III.  The  Believer's  Riddle. 
IV,.  The  Believer's  Lodging. 
V.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy, 
WL  The  Believer's  Principles, 

C O  NCER  N  I  N  G 

Creatiqn  and  Redemption, 

Law  and  Gospel, 

Justification  and  Sam<ctification? 

Faith  and  Sense, 

Heaven  and  Earth, 

The   NINTH    EDITION. 

In  which  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  extended.     Not  to  be 
found  in  any  former  Ediiion. 

By  the  late  Reverend  Mr.  RALPH   EPS  K I NE, 
Minifter  of  the  Gofpel  at  Dunfermline, 

EDINBURGH:   Punted. 

Philadelphia:  Re-printed  by  W.    Dunlap,   at  die 

Newtft  Printing-Office  in  Market-Street,  fcrG.  No  EL, 

Book-feller  i«^fcw-ftr&,  MfDCC,LX. 


THE 

P      R     E      FA      C      E 

TO    THE 

R       K      A       D       E       R. 


READER, 

WHatever  apologies  this  book  has  formerly  been 
prefaced  with  (as  to  the  manner  in  which 
many  lines  in  it  are  written),  mall  be  here  altogether 
dropt  and  forborn.  I  now  difmifs  it  as  it  is,  under 
the  conduct  of  divine  Providence,  to  take  its  hazard 
in  the  world;  fince  it  has  already  ferved  its  appren- 
ticefhip  under  feveral  impreflions,  and  gone  both 
through  kind  and  hard  ufage,  through  good  report 
and  bad  report.  It  never  promifed  much  to  them 
that  feek  nothing-  but  pleajure  and  fatisfaclion  to 
their  fancy;  but  I  have  heard,  that  it  has  done,  feme 
fervice  (and  I  hope,  through  the  bleifing  of  Heaven,  it 
may  yet  do  more)  to  them  that  feek  profit  and  idi* 
fication  to  their  fouls. 

The  late  edition  of  this  book  at  London  being 
more  full  and  compleat  than  any  that  was  formerly 
emitted,  it  is  fit  here  to  acquaint  the  reader,  that  this. 
is  printed  exactly  off  the  London  copy,  without  any 
material  addition  or  alteration,  except  in  the  ^d  part.. 
of  the  bock,  and  part  6.  chap.  2.  fe£i.  1.  that  come 
under  the  name  of  Riddles  or  myfteries,  which  (be- 
caufe  there  were  feveral  demands  in  this  country  for  a 
new  edition)  I  thought  ft  to  confirm  by  fcriptare-texts 
cited  at  the  bottom  of  the  page,  for  the  benefit  of  thof« 
that  are  weak  in  knowledge,  and  unacquainted  with 
a   2  the 


iv  PREFACE. 

the  fcripture  *.  I  have  difecled  them  by  a  letter  of  the 
alphabet,  at  every  branch  of  the  fentence  that  is  ci- 
ther feemingly  or  really  oppofite  to  the  other,  unto 
fome  icriptural  text,  one  or  more,  for  evincing  the 
truth  thereof:  by  which  means  the  weakeft  that  is 
willing,  may  come  to  underftand  the  moll  difficult 
paradox  or  myftery  mentioned  in  this  book;  at  lealt 
fo  far  as  to  lee  that  every  part  of  it  is  founded  on  the 
word  of  God,  either  direclly,  or  by  plain  and  necef- 
fary  coniequence. 

Only  this  general  rule  is  to  be  obferved,  namely, 
That  the  reader  always  confider  what  is  the  fubjecl 
treated  in  every  fe&ion  or  franca;  and  this,  for  the 
fake  of  the  more  illiterate,  I  fhall  illuftrate  by  two 
examples,  the  one  concerning  the  la*.v,  the  other  con- 
cerning the  believer. 

.    Tht  former  you  fee,  pap  173.  where  it  U  fa-id, 

Vm  mi  MgUi  to  keep  it  mt% 
Yet  more  obh£4  than  e'er  before, 

Here  you  are  to  remark,  that  as  the  fubj?cl:  fpoke 
of,  is  the  law;  fo  the  law  in  fcript'ire  is  confidered 
two  ways,  «»/«.  both  as  a  covenant  of  works,  and  as 
a  rule  of  duty.  New,  that  the  believer  is  under  no 
Obligation  to  the  law  as  it  is  a  covenant  of  works,  or 
to  perform  obedience  to  it  as  a  ground  of  justification, 
(which  is  alfo  the  fubj eel  treated  in  that  feclion),  is 
confirmed  in  the  foot-notes,  by  the  following  fcrip- 
tures,  (to  which  you  are  directed  by  the  letter  (s)y  Rom. 
vi.  14..  Gal.  v.  1 — 4.  where  you  may  fee  believers 
are  faid  to  be  not  under  the  la-iv,  but  under  grace;  and 
exhorted  to  fiand  fa/9  in  the  liberty  nv herewith  Chriji 
hath  made  them  free;  and  allured,  that  Chrijr  is  be- 
come of  no  effeel  to  them^  ivhofoe-ver  of  them  are  Ju- 
ftifcd    by    the  laiv;  they   are  fallen  from   grace.      A- 

*    The  fcrij  tares  in  this  ninth  edition  are  extended. 


P    R    E    F    A    C    'g?  ¥ 

gain,  that  the  believer  is  under  more  obligation   than 
ever   before  he  was  juftifted,  to  yield  obedience  to    the 
law  as  it  is  a  rule  of  life,  (which  is  the   other   branch 
of  that   paradox),  is    confirmed  by    thefe     following 
texts  of  fcripture,   (to  which  you  are  directed   by   the 
letterf^,  Rom.  vi.    i.   2.    15.  where  it  is  faid,  Shall 
nve  continue  in  Jin,  that  grace  may    abound?  God  forbid : 
hoxo   Jhall  ive  that  are  dead   to  Jin,    live    any    longer 
therein  ?  What  then  ?  fro  all  --we  fin,  .  kecaufe  vue   are   net 
under  the    lavj,  but  under   grace  ?  God  forbid.     From 
which  texts,  together   with  their  contexts,  it   is  evi- 
dent, that  the  believer's  freedom  from  the   law  as  a 
covenant,  does  not  at  all  free  him  from  obligation    to 
it  as  a  rule,  but  fuperadds  to  the  natural   obligation 
that   of  grace,  which  both  argumentatively  and   effec- 
tively teaches  what  the- law   dees  authoritatively  and 
preceptively,   namely,   to    deny  ungcdlinjs,  and  worldly 
It//1-j   and  to  livefoberly,   righteoujly,  and  godly,  in   this 
prefent  vjorld,  Tit.  ih   II.    1 2. 

The    other    example  I  adduce,  you     may    read3 
fag.  2 1 1  .where  the  words  are ; 

To  good  and  evil  equal  bent  3 
Fm  both  a  devil  and  a  faint. 

Here  the  reader  may  notice,  that  the  fubjeft  fpoken 
of,  is  the  believer,  or  the  faint's  old  and  new  man 
defcribed,  (which  is  part  of  the  title  of  that  lection), 
cr  coniidered  as  to  his  regenerate  and  unregenerate 
part;  in  which  view  he  is  frequently  fpoke  of  in 
fcripture;  ex.  gr,  1  John  iii.  6.  9.  it  is  faid  of  the 
believer,  or  the  perfon  born  of  God,  that  he  Jinnetb 
n?t,  and  that  he  cannot  fin,  becauje  he  is  bom  of 
God:  there  he  is  fpoken  of  as  to  his  new  nature  or 
regenerate  part.  But,  1  Johni.  8.  the  words  are> 
If  vuefay  that  <we  have  no  fin,  ive  deceive  ourfelv.s,  and 
the  truth  is  not  in  us :  where  the  Apoftle.  fpeaks  of 
believers  unregenerate  and  corrupt  part.  Now,  this 
being  the  fcriptural  reprefentation  of  the  believer,  th-r 
foxefaid  paradox  is  eafily  proven  from  fcripture. 

*  3  TU 


vi  PREFACE. 

The//;/?  branch  is,  That  he  is  equally  bent  to  good 
and  to  evil.  For  the  proof  of  this,  vou  are  directed 
in  the  foot-note  to  Rom.  vii.  21.  where  the  Apoltle 
Paul,  fpeaking  both  of  his  corrupt  and  renewed  part, 
lays,  /  find  a  law,  that  w.hen  J  -would  do  good,  evil  is 
frefent  with  me.  And  if  you  read  the  preceding  and 
following  context,  you  will  find  him  complaining  how 
corruption  bends  nim  as  far  one  way  as  grace  another. 

The  other  part  of  the  fame  paradox  is,  That  the 
believer  is  on  thefe  accounts  both  a  devil  and  a 
faint.  No*,  that  the  believer  is  by  nature  and  cor- 
ruption a  devil,  is  one  branch  of  this  pofition  here 
to  be  confirmed.  That  he  is  fo  by  nature,  is  proven 
by  the  following  fcriptures  in  the  ibrecited  page  Job?t 
vi.  7©,  and  viii.  44..  compared;  where  ChJift  fpeak- 
ing of  forae  that  were  in  a  natural  flare,  viz.  of  Judas 
and  the  Jews,  difcoveis  what  is  the  ftate  of  all  men  by 
nature,  that  they  are  of their  Jut  her  the  devil,  fince  the 
lujis  of  their  father  they  will  do;  and  therefore  may  be 
called  devils,  as  our  Lord  calls  Judat,  faying,  /  have 
chofen  you  twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil.  And  fuch 
are  believers  alfo  naturally 'as  deicendents  of  the  firft 
Adam,  being  children  of  dijohedience,  and  children  of 
wrath  by  nature,  even  as  others,  Eph.  ii.  2.  3.  And 
that  the  believer  is  {o,  not  only  by  nature,  but  alfo  by 
reafon  of  remaining  corruption,  is  proven  in  the  fame 
page  from  fames  iii.  15.  where  that  Apoftle  (peaking 
of  itrife  and  envy  that  may  be  even  among  the  children 
of  God,  (which  indeed  has  too  much  taken  place  in  all 
ages),  fays,  This  wifdom  dejcendeth  not  from  above,  but 
is  earthly,  fenfual,  develijh.  Again,  that  though  the 
believer  be  by  nature  and  corruption  a  devil,  yet  he  is 
by  grace  and  regeneration  a  faint,  is  documented  alfo 
in  the  fame  page  from  I  Ccr.  vi.  1 1 .  Such  were  fome 
of  you  :   but  ye  are  fandified,  &c. 

In  this  manner  you  may  go  over  all  the  reft  of  the 
paradoxes,    riddles,    or  myfieries  contained    in    this 
book,  and  find  them  evidently  confirmed  by  the  fcrip- 
tures 


P     R     E    F    A.    C    E.  vii 

tures  of  truth,  the  word  of  God.  This  might  be  no 
unprofitable  exercife,  but  tend  to  lead  you  in  to  the 
true  knowledge  of  the  gofpel,  to  which  myfteries  are 
Co  effential,  that  it  is  defigned  by  them,  and  called  the 
vjifdom  of  God  in  a  myftery,.  I  Cor.  ii.  7.  and  the 
knowledge  of  which  is  fo  effential  to  Chriilianity,  and 
fo  abfolutely-  neceffary  to  falvation,  that  the  fame  A- 
poitie  declares,  that  if  our  go/pel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to  them 
that  are  loft  :  in  --whom  the  god  of  this  nvorld  bath  blinded 
the  minds  of  them  --which  believe  not,  lejf  the  light  of  the 
glorious  gofpel  of  Chrifi.,  who  is  the  image  of  God,  jhould 
jhine  unto  them,. 

Again,  if  you  fearch  the  fcriptures,  you  will  fee  ma- 
ny more  proofs  for  every  point  than  I  have  adduced, 
and  perhaps  many  much  more  appofite;  for  thefe  only 
are  fet  down  at  the  bottom  of  the  page  that  firtt  occur- 
red tome:  yet  I  fuppofe,  though  fometimes  but  one, 
and  fometimes  more  fcriptures  are  pointed  out,  they 
are  fuch  as  fufficiently  confirm  the  pofirions  they  relate 
to.  But  that  other  fcriptures  might  have  been  adduced 
in  plenty,  I  fhall  give  one  instance  in  the  paradox  juft 
now  mentioned,  wz.  That  every  believer  while  In 
this  world,  is  both  a  devil  and  a  faint*  -The  latter 
claufe  is  what  none  will  deny,  namely,  That  every 
true  believer  is  a  faint;  for  further  proof  of  which,  you 
might  fee  Ads  xv.  9.  and  xxvi.  18.  fcsfc.  But  becaufe 
the  fir-ft  claufe  may  feem  more  harm,  it  may  by  fcrip- 
ture  be  alio  further  evinced  two  ways :  if,  In  refpedl 
of  the  daily  commimon  of  fin  he  has  to  challenge  him- 
felf  with,  for  the  fcripture  fays,  Eccl.  vii.  20.  There 
is  not  ajuft  man  upon  earth,  that  doth  good,  and  finneth 
not.  And  with  this  compare  1  John  iii.  8.  He  that 
committeth  fin,  is  of  the  devil.  Hence  it  is  plain,  there 
is  not  a  juft  man  upon  earth,  but  may,  in  refpect  of 
the  commiifion  of  fin,  be  called  a  devil,  idiy,  In  re- 
fpect  of  prevalent  temptations,  by  which  he  may  be 
hurried  into  thofe  things  that  favour  not  of  God,  but  of 
men\  on  which  account  Chrift  {ays  to  Peter,  Matth, 
xvi.  23.  Get  thee   behind  me,  Satan.     And  if  Chrift 

calk 


via  PREFACE. 

calls  Peter  a  devil,  whom  he  had  defcribcd  as  a  faint  of 
the  firil  magnitude,  *verf.  17,  one  divinely  blefled  and 
enlightened;  what  occafion  may  every  believer  have 
to  call  himfelf  a  devil  ?  Yea,  it  is  a  part  of  his  faith 
and  fanctity,  to  fee  and  acknowledge  with  fhame  be- 
fore the  Lord  his  own  develifn  and  defperately  wicked 
heart  and  nature;  which  a  blind,  felf-conceited  world 
are  ignorant  of,  being  neither  acquainted  with  them- 
felves,  nor  with  God  and  his  word.  However,  fo  it 
ii,  that  the  more  any  fhall  fearch  the  fcripture,  the 
more  I  hope  will  they  difcern,  not  only  by  the  texts  I 
have  quoted,  but  from  many  others  alio,  the  truth  and 
evidence  of  every  part  of  this  book,  however  myfleri- 
ous  fome  pafTages  of  it  may  feem  to  many. 

Though  fome  of  thefe.  lines  may  want  the    polite-- 
nefs   that  can  nleafe  the  curieus  age,'  yet,   while  they 
Hand  firm  upon  a  fcriptural  foundation,   none  of  them 
want  authority,  and  that  of  the  higheft  nature,  except 
in  the  account  oi  mockers,  and  thofe  (of  whom    there 
are  too   many  in  our  day)  that  are  either  Deifls,  who 
undervalue  the  fcriptare,  orAtheiits,  who  deride  it: 
and   it  is  fadly  to  be  regretted,  that  thofe  people   are 
hardened  in  their  wicked  principles  and  practices,   by 
fome   that  perhaps  have  a. higher  profeilion.     lor  I 
have  feen  two  prints,  one  called  the  Grcany  and  ano- 
ther the  Laugh,  wherein  fome  lines,  picked  out  among 
others,  have  been   expofed  to  ridicule :  but  however 
fach   gentlemen   may  laugh  at  their  own   fport,  and 
wickedly  divert  themfeives  with  ferious  matters  for  a 
time,  I  fear  their  laughing  will  illue  in  weeping  for  e- 
ver;  if  God,  by  giving  them  repentance,  do  not  make  . 
them   grone  to  purpofe,  for  the  evidences  they  thus 
give  of  either  their  grievous  ignorance  of  the  fcripture, 
or  their  grofs  profanity,  and  of  their  readinefs  to  yield 
themfelves  instruments  of  the  devil,  to  promote  the  A- 
theiftical  fpirit  of  the  age,  which  is  bent  enough  (with- 
out any  fuch  provocations)  to  laugh  at  every  thing  fe- 
rious, facred  and  fcriptural.     This  is  fo  palpable  with- 
out  my  obfervation  upon  it*  and  fofelf-tvident  to  all 

tha-t 


PREFACE. 


IX 


that  fear  God,  and  have  had  the  patience  to  read  fuch 
prints,  that  I  would  not  have  thought  thera  worth  my 
noticing  fo  far,  as  to  make  this  bare  mention  of  them, 
had  not  Providence  put  the  pen  in  my  hand  to  preface 
this  edition,  wherein  fcriptural  proofs  are  added  to  that 
part  of  the  book. 

Reader,  It  gives  me  fatisfa&ion  enough  to  under- 
hand, that  this  book  has  already  been  ufeful  and  edify- 
ing to  fome,  however  it  is  entertained  by  others.  The 
gofpelitfelfis  to  fome  the  favour  oflife^  to  others  the 
favour  bf  death  \  to  fome  nxjifdom,  to  ethers  foolijhnefs ; 
to  fome  matter  of  faith,  love,  and  comfort,  to  others 
matter  of  mockery  and  fcorn.  T  mall  be  far  from 
thinking  it  any  diferedit  or  difparagement  to  this  book, 
if  it  meet  with  the  like  entertainment.  May  the  Lord 
of  heaven  and  earth,  who  over-rules  ail  things,  accom- 
pany it,  in  Its  journeys  abroad  or  at  home,  with  his 
bjeffing  to  many  foals';  and  to  his  care  I  commend  it, 
in  the  wordf  of  a  famous  $e§ts  poit3  upon  PfaLxxxv.  i , 

Return  fm&$  Opi/isst  adsu 
Et  patmtink  frmge  mi  tm* 

Which  may  be  adapted  to  the. -matter  in  hand  thus : 

The  truth  nybiefr  hell  may  eritictfe. 
Great  God^  be  near  to  patromize. 


A 

TABLE 

O  F    T  H  E 

GOSPEL-SONNET'S. 
PARTI. 

*Ihe  Believers  Efpoufah, 

Preface.  Pag.   I 

CHAP.  I.    A  general    account    of 
man's  fall  in  Jdam,  and  the  remedy 
provided  in  ChriU\  and  a  particular  ac-    . 
count  of  man's  being  naturally  wedded 
to  the  law  as  a  covenant  of  works,  2 

Sea.   I.  The  fall  of  Adam,  ib. 

Seel.  z.  .Redemption  through  Chrift,  3 

Seel.  3 .  Man's  legal  difpofition,  6 

Seel.  4.  Man's  Uriel;  attachment  to  legal  terms, 
or  to  the  law  as  a  condition  of  life,  j 

Seel.  5.  Mens  vain  attempt  to  feek  life  by  Chrift's 
raghteoufnefs,  joined  with  their  own;  and  legal 
hopes  natural  to  all,  9 

Chap.  II.  The  manner  of  a  finner's  di- 
vorce from*  the  law  in  a  work  of  humi- 
liation, and  of  his  marriage  to  the  Lord 
Jefus  CbriU\  or,  The  way  how  a  finner 
comes  to  be abcliever  ij 

Seel.  i 


aii  The    TABLE. 

Se3.  i.  Of  a  law -work,  and  the  workings  of  le- 
gal pride  under  it,  i* 

Sett.  2.  Conviction  of  fin  and  wrath  carried  on 
more  deeply  and  effectually  on  the  heart,  16 

Seti.  3.  The  deeply  humbled  foul  relieved  with 
fome  faving  difcoveries  of  Cbriji  the  Redeemer,        10 

Scti.  4.  The  workings  of  the  Spirit  of  faith,  in 
feparating  the  heart  from  all  felf-righteoufnefs,  and 
drawing  out  its  confent  to  and  defire  after  Cbriji  a- 
lone  and  wholly,  24 

Sea.  5.  Faith's  view  of  the  freedom  of  grace, 
cordial  renunciation  of  all  its  own  ragged  righteouf- 
nefs,  and  formal  acceptance  of  and  doling  with  the 
perfon  of  glorious  Cbriji,  24 

Chap.  III.  The  fruits  of  the  believer's 
marriage  with  ChriiU  particularly   go- 

.  fpel-holinefs,  and  obedience  to  the  law 
as  a  rule,  26 

Sea.  I.  The  fV"eet  folemnity  of  the  marriage 
now  over,  and  the  fad  effects  oi  the  remains  Qa  a  le- 
gal fpirit,  ib. 

Sed.  2.  Faith's  victories  over  fin  and  Satan, 
through  new  and  further  difcoveries  of  Cbriji,  ma- 
king believers  more  fruitful  in  holinefs  than  all  0- 
ther  pretenders  to  wdrks,  -28 

Sett.  3.  True  faving  faith  magnifying  the  law 
both  as  a  covenant  and  a  rule.  Faiie  faith  unfrtsit- 
ful  and  ruining,  30 

Seft.  4.  The  believer  only,  being  married  to 
Cbriji,  is  juftifiedand  fanclified;  and  the  more  go- 
fpel-freedom  from  the  law  as  a  covenant,  the  more 
holy  conformity  to  it  as  a  rule,  3  3 

Ssci.  5 .  Gofpel-grace  giving  no  liberty  to  fin, 
but  to  holy  fervice  and  pure  obedience,  36. 

Chap.  IV.  A  caution  to  all  againft  a  legal 
fpirit,  efpecially   to  thofe  that  have  a- 

profe&on 


The  T    A    B     L     E. 


xm 


profeflion  without  power,  "and  learning 
without  grace,  $j 

Chap.  V.    Arguments    and    encourage- 
ments to  goipel-minifters  to  avoid  a  le- 
.  gal  ftrain  of  doctrine,  and  endeavour 
the. Tinner's  match  with  Christ  bygof- 
pel-means,  40 

Seel.  1 .  A  legal  fpirit  the  root  of  damnable  er- 
jors,  ib. 

Seel.  2.  A  legal  llrain  of  doctrine  difcovered  and 
difcarded,  42 

Sed.  3.  The  hurtfulnefs  of  not  preaching  Chrift, 
and  diftinguifhing  duly  betv*  een  lav/  and  gofpel,       43 

Seel.  4.  Damnable  pride  and  felf-righteoufnefs, 
fo  natural  to  all  men-,  has  little  need  to  be  encourag- 
ed by  legal  preaching,  45 

Seel.  j;.  The  gofpel  of  divine  grace  the  only 
means  of  converting  finners;  and  therefore  mould 
be  preached  iHC-ft  clearly,  fully,  and  freely,  47 

Chap.  VI.  An  exhortation  to  all  that  are 
out  of  Chrisi^  in  order  to  their  doling 
the  match  with  hint;  containing  alio 
motives  and  directions,  5 1 

Seel,  i .  Conviction  offered  to  finners,  efpecially 
fuch  as  are  wedded  ftfi&Iy  to  ihe  law,  or  felf-riphte- 
ous  ;  that  they  may  fee  their  need  of  ChriJPs  right- 
eou  fnefs,  r  2 

Sea.   2.  Direction   <*iven   with  reference   to   the 


iii- 


right  ufe  of  the  means,  that  we  reft  not  on  thefe  h 
ftead   of  Qhrjji  the  glorious  Hufband,  in  whom   a- 
lone  our  help  lies,  r* 

Sea.   3.   A   call    to  believe  in    Jefus   Chrijf,  with   ^ 
feme  hint  at  the  act  ami  object  of  faith,  r  g 

Seel.  4.  An   advice  to  finners  to  $j5pjy  to  the   fo- 
vereign  mercy  of  God,  as  it  is   difcove'red  through 

b  Qhri§tA 


xlv  The  TABLE. 

Chrift,  to  thehighefl  honour  of  juftice  and  other  di- 
vine attributes,  in  order  to  further  their  faiti*  in  him 
unto  falvation,  Co 

SeSi.  5.  The  terrible  doom  of  unbelievers  that 
reject  the  gofpel-match,  the  offered  Saviour  and  fal- 
vation,  64 


P  A  R  T     II. 

The  Believer  s  Jointure*  69 

Chap.  I.  Containing  the  privileges  of  the 
believer  that  is  efpoufed  to  Ckrift  by 
faith  of  divine  operation,  70 

Sea1.  1.  The  believer's  perfect  beauty,  free  ac- 
ceptance, and  full  fecurity,  through  the  imputatioa 
of  Chrift's  per:ect  rioht^oufnefs,  though  imparted 
grace  be  imperfect,  ib. 

Sea.  2.  Chrijl  the  believer's  friend,  prophet, 
prieit,  king,  defence,  guide,  guard,  help,  and 
healer,  73 

Bed.  3.  Cbrift  the  believer's  wonderful  phyil- 
cian,  and  wealthy  iricni,  75 

Se3.  4.  The  believer's  fafety  under  the  covert  of 
Cbrift's  atoning  blood  and  powerful  interceilicn,        77 

8  a.  c.  The  believer's  faith  and  hope  encourag- 
ed even  in  the  darks:!  nights,  of  defertion  and  dri- 
trefs,  8a 

Se3.  6.  Benefits  accruing  to  believers  from  the 
offices,  names,  natures,  and  fuiFerings  of  Cbrtjl,     82 

Se3,   7.   Cbri/i\  fufferings  further  improved,  and 
believers  called    to  lire  by  faith,  both    when   they 
r.nd  want  fenfible  influences,  8>j. 

\   S.  Cbrijl  the  believer's   enriching  treafure,  87 

Sea'.  9.   Chrijl  the  believe! 's  adorning  garment,  83 
.-.'     10.   Qbriji   the   believer's  fv/eet    nouriih- 
mcat,  89 

Cba* 


The    T    A    B     L     E. 


xv 


Chap.  II.  Containing  marks  and  charac- 
ters of  believers  in  Chrttt\  together 
with  forne  farther  privileges  and 
grounds  of  comfort  to  the  faints,  9 1 

Sec?.   1.  Doubting    believers   called   to    examine 
themfelves   by  marks  drawn  from  their  love  to    him 
and  his  prefence,  their  view  of  his  glory,  and   their    • 
being  emptied  of  felfrighteoufnefs,  csV.  ih. 

Set?.   2.  Believers  defcribed  from  their  faith    ac- 
ting   fey  divine  aid,  and  fleeing  quite  out   of  them- 
felves to  Jcfus  Chrift,  94. 

Sec?..  3.  Believers  characterized  by  the  objects 
and  purity  of  their  defire,  delight,  joy,  hatred, 
and.  love,  difcovering  they  have  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  97 

Sec?.  4.  Believers  in  Chriji  affect  his  couniel, 
word,  ordinances,  appearance,  full  enjoyment  in 
hea-uen,  and  fweet  prefence  here,  99 

Sec?.   5.     The    true     believer's     humility,     depen- 
dence, zeal,  growth,  admiration,  of  free  grace,  and 
knowledge  of  Chrifi\  tfoice,  1  o  1 

Sec?.  6.  True  believers  are  willing  to  be  tried 
and  examined.  Aifo  comforts  ariiing  to  them  from 
Chrift\  ready  fupply,  real  fympathy,  and  relieving 
names  fuiting  their  needs,  104 

Seel.  7.  The  believers  experience  of  Cbrifiz 
comfortable  prefence,  or  of  former  comforts,  to  be 
improved  for  his  encouragement  and  fupport  under 
darknefs  and  hidings,  107 

Sec?.  8.  Comfort  to  believers  from  the  liability 
of  the  promife,  notwithftanding  heavy  chaftife- 
ments  for  fin,  no. 

Sec?.  9.  Comfort  to  believers  from  Cbriji's  rela- 
tions, his  dying  love,  his  glory  in  heaven,  to  which 
he  will  lead  them  through  death,  and  fupply  them 
with  all  necelTaries  by  the  way,  1  \  2 

Sec?.   10.  Comfort  to  believers  from   the   text, 
7 hy  maker  is  thy  Hujhand,  inverted  thus,  Thy  huf- 
barid  is  thy  maker;  and  the  conclufion  of  this  fub- 
jeet,  114: 

b  2    -  PART 


xv£  The   T    A     B     I     E. 

PART    in. 

The  Believers  Riddle;  or,  The  My  fie- 
ry of  Faith. 

The  preface,  fbewing  the  ufe  and  defign  0/  the    riddle ; 

and  ho<w   all  fatal  errors  proceed  from  ignorance  of 

fucb  myfteriesy  1  1 8 

Seel.  I.  The  rnyftery  of  the  faints  pedigree,  and 
efpecially  of  their  relation  to  Cbrifl's  wonderful  per- 
fon,  122 

Sect.  1.  The  rnyftery  of  the  faint's  life,  ftate, 
and  frame,  132 

Sect.  3.  Myfleries  about  the  faint's  work  and 
warfare,  iins,  forrows,  and  joys,  14a 

Sect.  4.  Myfterirs  in  faith's  extractions,  way  and 
walk,  prayers  and  anfwers,  heights  and  depths, 
fear  and  love,  149 

Sect.  5.  Myfteries  about  flefh  and  fpirit,  liberty 
and  bondage,  life  and  death,  164 

Sect.  6.  The  rnyftery  of  free  juftification  through 
CbrijTs  obedience  and  fatisfaclion,  170 

Sect,  7.  The  rnyftery  of  God  the  juftifler  ;  and 
faith  j unifying  him,  both  in  his  j unifying  and  con- 
demning: or,  Soul-juftiiication  and  felf- condemna- 
tion, 178 

Sect.  8.  The  rnyftery  of  fanctifkation  imperfeel  in 
this  life;  or,  The  believer  doing  ail,  and  doing  no- 
thing, 188 

Sect.  9.  The  rnyftery  of  various  names  given  to 
faints;  or,  The  flefh  and  fpirit  defcribed  from  in- 
animate things,  vegetables  and  fenfttives,  195 

Sect.  10.  The  rnyftery  of  the  faints  old  and  new 
man  further  defcribed,  and  the  means  of  their  fpiri- 
tual  life,  204 

Sect.  11.  The  rnyftery  of  Chrijl,  his  names,  na- 
tures, and  offices,  213 

Sect.   1 2  v  The  rnyftery  of  the   believer's  mixed 

ftate 


The   TABLE,-  xvii 

itate  further  enlarged,  and  his  getting  good  out   of 
evil,  22a 

Sect.   13.  The  my  fiery  of  the  faint's  adverfaries 
and  adveriities,  229 

Sect.   14.  The  myftery   of  the  believer's  pardon 

and  (canity  from  revenging  wrath,  notwithstanding 

his  iin's  defert,  23S 

.    Sect.    15.  The .  myftery  of  faith  and  ught,  24.4 

Sect.    16.  The  myftery  of  faith  and  works,-        248 

And  of  rewards  of  grace  and  debt,  245 

The  concluiion,  258 


PA  R  T    IV. 

Tke  Believers    Lodging. 

A  piraphrafe  upon  Pf  I.  Ixxxiv.  260 

Exercife  for  the  believer  in  his  lodging,  four- 
fold, V  267 

1.  The  holy  law;  or,  The  ten  commandments,  ib. 

2.  The  unholy  heart  the  reverfe  of  God's  law,     ih» 

3.  The  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrifl,  the  remedy,  268 

4.  The  prayer  of  faith  exemplified,  ib* 

PARTV. 

'The'  Believer s  Soliloquy,  efpecially  in 
times  of  defer lion,  temptation,  afflic- 
tion. &c.  270 

Sect.  1.  The  defsrted  believer  longing  for  per- 
fect freedom  from  fin,  ib* 

Sect.  2.  The  defjited  believers  prayer  under 
complaints    of  unbelief?   darknefs,  deadnefs,    and 

kardnefs,      ..  273 

£3.  Sect, 


' 


viii.  The    TABLE. 


Sect.  3.  The  believer  wading  through  depths  of 
defertion  and  corruption,  276 

Sect.  4.  The  believer's  complaint  of  fin,  forrow, 
and  want  of  love,  277 

Sect.  5.  The  defer  ted.  foul's  prayer  for  the  Lord's 
gracious  and  fin-fubduing  prefence,  280 

Sect,  6.  The  fong  of  heaven  derired  by  faints  on 


PA  R  T    VI. 

The  Believer  s  Principles. 

Chap.  I.  Concerning  creation  and  redemp-  , 
tion;  or,  Some  of  the  firft  principles  of 
the  oracles  of  God,  285 

Sect..  1.  Of  creation.  The  firH  chapter  of  Gene- 
jls   compendifed,  ib. 

The  fum  of  creation,  287 

Sect.  2.  Of  redemption.  The  myltery  of  the 
Redeemer's  incarnation;  or,  God  manifeiied  in  the 
flefli,   .  *  w. 

The  fum  of  redemption,  28^ 

Sect.  3  .  The  Redeemer's  work  ;  or,  Chrijl  all  in 
aH,  and  our  compleat  redemption.  A  gofpel-cate- 
chifm  for  young  Chriftians, '  289 

Sect.  4.  Faith  and  works  both  excluded  from 
the  matter  of  justification  before  God,  that  redemp- 
tion may  appear  to  be  only  in  Chriji,  294 

Chap.  II.  Concerning  the  law  and  the  go- 
fpel 

Sect.   1.  The.myftery  of  law  and  gofpel,  597 

Sect.  2.  The  difference  between  the  law  and  the 

g°%el>  3*5 

Sect.  3.  The  harmony  between  the  law  and  the 
gofpe!,  319 

Sect, 


The   T    A    B    L    E.  xix. 

Sect..  4..  The  proper  place  and  Ration  of  the  law 
and  the  gofpel,  in  four  paragraphs,  323 

Paragraph  1.  The  place  and  Ration  of  law  and 
goipel  in  general,  ibid* 

Parag.  2.  The  place  and  Ration  of  law  and  go- 
Jpel  in  particular,  324 

Parag.  ,  3 . ,  The.  .gofpel  no  new  law ;  but  a  joyful  ■ 
found  of  grace'  and  mercy,  333 

Parag.  4.  The  gofpel  further  defcribed,  as  a 
bundle  of  good  news  and  gracious  promifes,         332 

Chap.  III.    Concerning   justification    and 
fantlification,  their  difference  and  har- 

Sect.  r.  The  .difference  oetween  jufhncation  and 
ianclification,  or  righteoufnesfs  im.puted  and  grace 
imparted,  "in  upwards  of  thirty  particulars,  i^ 

Sect.  2.  The  harmony  between  juftification  and 
faneliikation,  34  j 

Chap.  IV.  Concerning/tf//i?  and  fenfe,  344. 
Sect..  1,  Faith  and  fenfe  natural  compared    and 

diftinguilhed,   .  /£ 

Sect.  2.  Faith  and  £en{e  fpiritual  compared  and 

diRinguifhed,  3*5 

Sect.  3.  The,harmony  and  difcord  between  faith 

and  fenfe,  #  ^49 

Sect.  4.  The  valour  and  victories  of  faith,  3.-0 

Sect.  5,   The  heights  and  depths  of  fenfe,  3^ 

Sect.  6.    Faith  and  frames   compared,  or   faith 

building  upon  fenfe  difcovered,  j^ 

Chap.  V.  Concerning  heaven  and  earth,    ozy 

Sect.    1 .   The  work  and  contention  of  heaven,       ib. 
Sect.  2,  Earth  defp-kable,  heaven  defirable,       360 


Th? 


The  following  POEM,  the  fecond  part  of  whick 
was  wrote  by  Mr.  Erskinf,  is  here  inferted,  as  a  pro« 
per  fubje  ct  of  meditation  10 /makers  of  tobacco. 


SMOAKING       Spiritualized. 


IN.TV/O    PARTS. 


The  firft  Part  being  an  old  Meditation  up- 
on fmoaking  Tobacco-,  the  fecond  a  new 
Addition  to  it,  or  Improvement  of  it. 


T 


PARTI. 

HIS  Indian  weed  now  witherM  quite, 
Though  green  at  noon,  cut  down  at  nighty 
Shows   thy  decay ; 
All  flefh  is  hay. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco, 


The  pipe  (o  lily -like  and  weak, 
Does  thus  thy  mortal  nate  befpeak. 

Thou  art  ev'n  fuch, 

Gone  with  a  touch. 
Thus  think,  and  irncke  tobacco. 

And  when  the  fmoak  rfcer.s^  on  hi^h 
'-^hen  thou  beholc'il  the  vanity 

Of  worldly  fluff, 

Gone  with  a  puff. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 


And 


Smoaking    Spiritualized.  ti 

And  when  the  pipe  grows  foul  within, 
Think  on  thy  foul  defil'd  with  fin ; 
For  then  th«?  fire 
It  does  require. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

And  feefl  the  afhes  carl  away ; 
Then  to  thyfelf  thou  may  eft  fay, 

That  to  the  dull 

Return  thou  muft. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacc*. 


PART    II. 

Was  this  fmall  plant  for  thee  cut  down  ? 
So  was  the  Plant  of  great  renown ; 

Which  mercy  fends 

For  nobler  ends. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

Doth  juice  medicinal  proceed 
From  fuch  a. naughty  foreign  weed? 

Then  what's  the  povv'r 

Of7#?sflow'r? 
Thus  'think,  and  fmoke  tobacco.^ 

The  promife,  like  the  pipe,  inlays, 
And  by  the  mouth  of  faith  conveys 
What  virtue  flows 

■     From  Sharon's  rofe. 

Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco.  . 

In  vain  th'  unlighted  pipe  you  blow; 
Your  pains  in  outward  means  are  fo, 
Till  heav'nly  fire 
Your   heart  infpire. 
Thus  think,  and  fmoke  tobacco. 

Tke 


L  Smoaci.ng  Spiritualize 

The  fmoak,  like  burning  incenfe  tovv'rs ; 
So  fhoirld  a  praying  heart  of  yours 

With  ardent  cries 

Surmount  the  fkies. 
Thus  think,  and  f moke  tobacco 


GOSPEL 


SONNETS; 


SONGS. 


ls: 


Thy 


Gospel     S  o  r 


K  K   E 


"That  human  t6ngue&  inayhtujh  their  names  to  t 

To  wit,  the  Prince  of  Heav'n,  the  heir  of  hell ! 

But,  onfo  vajl  afubjea,   who  can  find 

Words  fniting  the  conceptions  of  his  mind? 

Or,  if  our  language  with  cur  thought  could  vie, 

What  mortal  thought  can  raife  itjclffo  high  ? 

When.svjords  and  thoughts  both  fail,   may  faith  and frafr 

Jfcend  by  climbing  up  thefcripture-fiair: 

From  facred  writ  thefe  firange  efpoufals  may 

Be  explicated  in  the  following  way. 


CHAP,    I, 

A  general  account  of  man's  fall  in  Adam, 
and  the  remedy  provided  in  Ckrist  •  and 
a  particular  account  of  Man's  being  natu- 
rally wedded  to  the  law,  as  a  covenant  of 

works. 

SECT.    I. 

The  Fall  of  A  D  AM. 

/ALD  Adam  once  a  heav'n  of  pleafure  found, 
\^f  While  he  with  perfect  innocence  was  crown'd  : 
His  wing'd  affections  to  his  God  could  move 
In  raptures  of  defire,  and  ftrains  of  love. 
Man  Handing  fpotlefs,  pure  and  innocent, 
Could  well  the  law  of  works  with  works  content ; 
Tho'  then,   (nor  fince),  it  could  demand  no  lefs 
Than  perfonal  and  perfect  righteoufnefs  : 
Thefe  unto  finlefs  man  were  eafy  terms, 
Tho'  now  beyond  the  reach  of  wither'd  arms. 
The  legal  cov'nant  then  upon  the  field, 
.  Perfection  fought,  man  could  perfection  yield. 
Rich  had  he,  and  his  progeny  remain'd, 
;Had  he  primeval  innocence  maintain'd; 

His 


Part  I.  The  Believer**  Efpoufah.  3 

His  life  had  been  a  reft  without  annoy ,- 
A  fcene  of  biifs,  a  paradife  of  joy. 
But  fubtile  Satan,  in  the  ferpent  hid, 
Prcpofing  fair  the  fruit  that  God  forbid, 
Man  foon  .feduc'd  by  hell's  alluring  ait, 
Did,  difobedient,  from  the  rule  depart, 
Devour'd  the  bait,  and  by  his  bold  offence 
Fell  from  his  blifsful  ftate  of  innocence. 
Proftrate,  he  loft  his  God,  his  life,  his  crown^ 
From  all  his  glory  tumbled  head-long  down, 
Plung'd  in  a  deep  abyfs  of  fin  and  woe, 
Where,  void  of  heart  to  will,  or  hand  to  do ; 

For's  own  relief  he  can't  command  a  thought,. 

The  total  funvof  what  he  can  is  nought. 

He's  able  only  new  t'inereafe  his  thrall, 

He  can  deilroy  himfelf,  and  this  is  all. 

B ut   can. the  helliih  brat  HeavVs  law  fulfil  ? 

Whofe  precepts  high  furmount  his  firength  and  {kill*  : 

Can  filthy  drofs  produce  a  golden  beam  ? 

Or  poifon'd  fprings  a  falutiProus  flream  ? 

Can  carnal  minds,  fierce  enmity's  wide  maw, 

Be  duly  fubjeeVto  the  divine  law  ? 

Nay,  now  its  direful  threatnings  mull  take  place  ' 

On  all  the  difobedient  human  race, 
-Who  do  by  guilt  Omnipotence  provoke, 

Obnoxious  Hand  to  his  uplifted  ftroke. 

They  mufl:  ingulf  themfelves  in  endlefs  vvocs^- 

Who  to  the  living  God  are  deadly  foes  j 

Who  natively  his  holy  will  gainfay, 

Muft  to  his  awful  juftice  fall  a  prey. 

In  vain  do  mankind  now  expect,  in  vain  ' 

By  legal  deeds  immortal  life  to  gain  : 

Nay,  death  is  threatned,  threats  mafl  have  their  du^r  - 
Or  fouls  {hat  fin  muft  die,  as  God  is  true. 

S  E  C  T.     II.- 

Redemption  through   Christ. 

THE  iecond  Adam,  fov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
LDid,  by  his  Father's  authorizing  call, 

A  2  From 


4  Gospel     S  o  k-  n  e  ,t  8 

From  bofom  of  eternal  love  defcend, 

To  fave  the  guilty  race- that  him  offend,; 

To  treat  an  e verilizing  peace  with  thofe, 

Who  were,  and  ever  would  have  been  his  foes. 

His  errand,  never  ending  life  to  give 

To  them,  whofe  malice  would  not  let  him  live ; 

To  make  a  match  with  rebels,  andefpoufe 

The  brat  which  at  his  love  her  fpite  avows. 

Himfelf  he  humbled  to  deprefs  her  pride, 

And  make  his  mortal  foe  his  loving  bride. 

But,  ere  the  marriage  can  be  folemniz'd, 

All  lets  muft  be.  remov'd,  all  parties  pleas'd. 

Law-righteoufnefs  required,  muft  be  procur'd, 

Law-vengeance  tbreatned,  mult  be  full  endur'd, ,. 

Stern  juftice  muft  have  credit  by  the  match, 

Sweet  mercy  by  the  heart  the  bride  muft  catch. . 

Poor  bankrupt !  all  her  debt  muft  firft  be  paid, 

Her  former  hufband  in  the  grave  be  laid : 

Her  prefent  lover  muft  be  at  the  colt, 

To  fave  and  ranfom  to  the  u-ttermoit. 

If  all  thefc  things  this  fuitor  kind  can  do, 

Then  he  may  win  her,  and  her  blefling  too. 

Hard  terms  indeed !  wJiile  death's  the  firft  demand  i : 

But  love  is  ftrong  as  death,  and  will  not  ftand 

To  carry  on  the  fuit,  and  make  it  good, 

Tho'  at  the  deareft  rate  of  wounds  and  blood. 

The  burden's  heavy,  but  the  back  is  broad, 

The  glorious  lover  is  the  mighty  God. 

Kind  bowels  yearning  in  thr  eternal  Son, 

He  left  his- Father's  court,  his  heav'nly  throne .; 

Afide  he  threw  his  moft  divine  aray, 

And  wrapt  his  Godhead  in  a  vail  of  clay. 

Angelic  armies,  who  in  glory  crown'd, 

With  joyful  harps  his  awful  throne  furround, 

Down  to  the  cryftal  frontier  of  the  fky^ 

To  fee  the  Saviour  born,  did  eager  fly  ; 

And  ever  fince  behold  with  wonder  frefh 

Their  Sov'reign  and  our  Saviour  wrapt  in  flefh. 

Who  in  this  garb  did  mighty  love  difplay, 

Rq/ioring  v/hat  he -never -took  awty. 


Fa rt  I.  Tbe  Btliever*?  Efponfals. 

To  God  his  glory,  to  the  law  its  due, 

To  heav'n  its  honour,  to  the  earth  its  hue; 

To  man  a  righteoufnefs  divine,  compleat, 

A  royal  robe  to  fuit  the  nuptial  rite. 

He  in  her  favours,  whom  he  lov'd  fo  well, 

At  once  did  purchafe  heav'n,  and  vsnquifh  helL 

Oh  unexampled  love !  fo  vaft,  fo  ftro  ng, 

So  great,   fo  high,  fo  deep,  fo  broad,  folong! 

Can  finite  thought  this  ocean  huge  explore, 

Unconfcious  of  a  bottom  or  a  more  ? 

His  love  admits  no  parallel ;  for  why, 

At  one  great  draught  of  love  he  drank  hell  dry* 

No  drop  of  wrathful  gall  he  left  -behind, 

No  dreg  to  witnefs  that  he  was  unkind. 

The  fVord  of  awful  juftice  pierc'd  his  fide, 

That  mercy  thence  might  gum.  upon  the  bride. 

The  meritorious  labours  of  his  life, 

And  glorious  conquers  of  his  dying  ftrife, 

Her  debt  of  doing,  fuff'ring,  both  cancell'd, 

And  broke  the  bars  his  lawful  captive  held. 

Down  to  the  ground- the  heliiih  hoiis  he  threw, 

Then  mounting  high,  the  trump  of  triumph  blew^ 

Attended  with  a  bright  feraphic  band, 

Sat  down  erithron'd  fubl-ime  on  God's  right  hand; 

Where  glorious  choirs  their  various  harps  employ 

To  found  his  praifes  with  confed'rate  joy. 

There  he,  the  bride's  ftrong  interceffor  fits-, 

And  thence  the  bleffings  of  his  blood  tranfmks,. 

Sprinkling  all  o'er  the  flaming  throne  of  God, 

Pleads  for  her  pardon  his  atoning  blood  ;      ■ 

Sends  down  his  holy  co-eternal  dove, 

To  mew  the  wonders  of  incarnate  love, 

To  woo  and  win  the  bride's  reluctant  hearfy 

And  pierce  it  with  his-  kindly  killing  daa; 

By  gofpel-light  to  manifest  that  now 

She  has  no  farther  with  the  law  to  do  ; 

That  her  new  Lord  has  loos'd  the  fed'ral  tye, 

That  once  hard  bound  her  or  to  do  or  die  ;- 

That  precepts,  threats,  no  Jingle  mite  can  crave, 

rhus  for.  her  former  fpoufe  he  digg'd  a  grave  ; 

A  3  The 


G  0  &  P  £  L       SON.N 


The  law  faft  to  his  crofs  did  nail  and  pin,  Y 

Then  bury'd  the  defun&his  tomb  within,  > 

That  he  the  lonely  widow  to  himfelf  might  win   J 

S  E  C  T,     III. 

Man**  legal  diftcjition. 

BUT,  after  all,  the  bride's  fo  malecontent,  1; 
No  argument,  fave  pow'r,  is  prevalent      £ 
To  bow  her  will,  and  gain  her  heart's  confent.  J? 
The  glorious  Prince's  fuit  me  difapproves, 
The  law  her  old  primordial  hufband  loves ; 
Hopeful  in  its  embraces  life  to  have, 
Tho5  dead  and  bury'd  in  her  fuitor's  grave  j 
Unable  to  give  life,  as  once  before  ; 
Unfit  to  be  a  hulband  any  more. 
Yet  proudly  fhe  the  new  addrefs  difdainsy 
And  all  the  hhii  Redeemer's  love  and  pains ; 
Tho'  now  his  head,  that  cruel  thorns  did  wour.d^. 
Js  with  immortal  glory  circled  round  ; 
Archangels  at  his  awful  footftool  bow, 
Afid  drawing  love  fits  finiling  on  his  brow. 
Tho'  down  he  fends  in  gofpel-tidings  good 
jBpiities  of  his  love,  fign'd  with  his  blood :; 
Yet  lordly  me  the  royal  fuit  rejects,. 
Eternal  life  by.legal  works  affects; 
In  vain  the  living  feeks  among  the  dead, 
Sues  quickning  comforts  in  a. killing  head; 
Her  dead  and  hury'd  hulband  has  her  heart, 
Which  can  nor  death  remove,  nor.  life  impart. , 
Thus  all  revolting  Jdamh  blinded  race 
In  their  nrft  fpoufe  their  hope  and  comfort  place, . 
They  natively  expeft,  if  guilt  them  prefs, 
Salvation  by  a  home-bred  righteoufnefs : 
They  look  for  favour  in  Jebcvab's  eyes, .  . 
By  careful  doing  all  that  in  them  lies. 
:Tis  Mill  their  primary  attempt  to  draw 
Thejr  life  and  comfort  from  th?  ve:Van  law ;  • 


The 


Part  T,  The  Be!ie-v£rrsEfpoujah<  7- 

They  flee  not  to  the  hope  the  gofpel  gives;  y 

To  truft  a  promife  hare,  their  minds  aggrieves,        L 

Which  judge  the  man  that  does,  the  man  that  lives,  y 

As  native  as  they,  draw  their  vital  breathy 

Their  fond reccurfe  is  to  the  legal  path.. 

Why,  fays  old  nature  in  iaw-wedded  man,. 

*<  Won't  Heav'n  be.  pleas 'd,  it. I  do  all  I  eanr. 

"  If  I  conform  my  walk  to  nature's  light,. 

M  And  ftrive,  intent  to  practife  what  is  right? 

"  Thus,  won't  I  by  the  God  oi  heav'n.  be  blefs'd,. 

"  And  win  his  favour,  if  I  do  my  belt? 

*'  Good  God!   (he  cries)  when  preis'd  with,  debt  ancf. 

thrall^ 
**   Have  patience  with  me,  and  Fit  pay  thee  all  *'  1  " 
Upon  their  all,  their  befi,  they're  fondly  mad, 
Tho'  yet  their  all  is  naught,  their  beji  is  bad. 
Proud  man  his  can-does  mightily  exalts,    . 
Yet  are  his  brighteil  works  butfplendid  faults ». 
A  finner  may  have  fhews  of  good,  but  ftill 
The  belt  he  can,  ev'n  at  his  belt,  is  ill. . 
Can  heav'n  or.  divine  favour.e'er  be  win 
By  thofe  that  are  a  mafs  of  hell  and  fin  ? 
The  righteous  law  does  nuin'rous  woes  -  denounce- 
Againft  the  wretched  foul  that  fails  but  once : 
What  heaps  of  curfes  on  their  heads  it  rears, 
That  have,  amafs'd  the  guilt. of  num'rous  years ! 

S,E  C  T.     IV. 

Man's  Jlrift    attachment  to  legal  terms,  cr  to  the  law 
as  a  condition  of  life, 

SAY,  on  what  terms  then  Heav'n  appeas'd  vviii  be>: 
Why,  fure,  perfeaion  is  the  leaf*  degree . 
Yea,  more,  WXj'aiisfaftion  muft  be  giv'a 
For  trefpafs  done  againft  the  laws  of  Heav'n. 
Thefe  are  the  terms;  what  mortal  back  fo  broad, 
B.ut  mud  for  ever  fink  beneath  the  load?. 

A 

%Mavh>  xviu,  i6j. 


-8  Gospel     Sonnets, 

A  ranfom  mud  be  found,  or  die  they  muft, 
Sure,  even  as  juftice  infinite  is  juft. 
But,  fays  the  legal,  proud,  felf-righteous  heart, 
Which  cannot  vviih  her  ancient  cohfort  part, 
<<  What!  won't  the  goodnefs  of  the  God  of  heav'rv 
*•'  Admit  of  fmalls  when  greater  can't  be  giv'n  ? 
"  Heknovys  our  fall  diminifh'd  all  our  funds, 
"  Won't  he  accept  of  pennies  now  for  pounds  ? 
"  Sincere  endeavours  for  perfection  take, 
i   "  Or  terms  more  poiiible  for  mankind  make  ?" 
Ah!  poor  divinity,  and  jargon  loofe, 
Such  hay  and  ftraw  will  never  build  the  houfe. 
Miftake  not  here,  proud  mortal,  don't  miftake^ 
God  changes  not,  nor  other  terms  will  make. 
Will  divine  faithfulnefs  itfelf  deny, 
Which  fwore  folemnly,  Man  fhall  do,  or  die? 
Will  God  mo/I  true  extend  to  us,  forfooth, 
His  goodnefs  to  the  damage  of  his  truth? 
Will  fpotlefs  holinefs  be  baffled  thus? 
Or  awful  juftice-be  unjuil  for  us  ? 
Shall  faithfulnefs  be  faithlefs  for  our  fake, 
And  he  his  threats,  as  we  his  precepts  break  £ 
Will  our  great  Creditor  deny  himfelf  ? 
And  for  full  payment  take  our  filthy  pelf? 

Difpenfe  with  juftice,  to  let  mercy  vent  ? 

And  ftain  his  royal  crown  with  minifh'd  rent  ? 

Unworthy  thought !  O  let  no  mortal  clod 

Hold  fach  bafe  notions  of  a  glorious  God.  . 

Heav'n's  holy  covenant,  made  for  human  race, 

Coniifls,  or  whole  of  works,  or  whole  of  grace. 

If  works  will  take  the  held,  then  works  mult  be 

For  ever  perfecl  to  the  laft  degree  : 

Will  God  difpenfe  with  lefs  ?  Nay  £ure,  he  won't 

With  ragged  toll  his  royal  law  affront. 

Can  rags,  that  Sinai  flames  will  foon  difpatch, 

E'er  prove  the  fiery  laws  adequate  match  ? 

Vain  man  muil  be  divorc'd,  and  chufe  to  take 

Another  hufband,  or  a  burning  lake. 

We  find  the  divine  volume  no-where  teach 

New  legal  terms  within  our  mortal  reach, 

Some 


Fart  L  *The  Believer's  Efpouf&h^.  9 

Some  make,  though  in  the  facred  page  unknown,.. 

Sincerity  affume  perfection's  throne : 

But  who  will  boall  this  bafe  ufurper's  fway,  V 

Save  miniflers  of  darknefs,  that  difplay  v. 

Invented  night  to  ftifie  fcripture-day  ?  Jh 

The  nat'raiiits  nncerity  is  naught, 

That  of  the  gracious  is  divinely  taught, 

Which  teaching  keeps  their  graces,  if  fmcere, 

Within  the  limits  of  the  gofpel-fphere,. 

Where  vaunting,  none  created  graces  fing, 

Nor  boafl:  of  iireams,  but  of  the  Lord  the  /bring* . 

Sincerity's  the  foul  of  ev'ry  grace, 

The  qualify  of  all  theranfom'd  race. 

Of  promis'd  favour  'tis  a  fruit,  a  claufe  ; 

But  no  procuring  term,  no  moving  caufe. 

How  unadvis'd  the  legal  mind  confounds 
The  marks  of  divine  favour  with  the  grounds, . 
And  qualities  of  covenanted  friends, 
With  the  condition  of  the  cov'nant  blends?. 
Thus  holding  g  ofpel-truths  with  legal  arms, . 
Miftakes  new  cov'nant  fruits  for  federal  terms. .. 
The  joyful  found -no  change  of  terms  allows,. 
But  change  of  perfons,  or  another  fpoufe. 
The  nature  fame  that  finn'd  muft  do  and  die\  ■ 
No  milder  terms  in  gafpel- offers  lie. 
For  grace  no  other  law-abatement  Ihewa, 
But  how  law-debtors  may  reflore  its  dues ; 
Reilore,  yea,  through  a  furety  in  their place,. 
With  double  int'reft  and  a  better  grace* 
Here  we  of  no  new  terms  of  life  are  told,.. 
But  of  a  huiband  to  fulfil  the  old; 
With  him  alone  by  faith  we're  call'd  to  wed, 
And  let  no  rival  *  fa-uik  the  marriage-bed. 

S  EC  T.     V.  ?', 

Mens   'vain  attempt  to  fees,    life  by   Christ's    rtghie- 

oufnefs,  joined  nviib   their    o<wn.$  and  legal  hopes  na^ 

tural  to  all. 

BUT  ftill  the  bride  reluctant  difellows 
The  junior  fuit,  and  hugs  the  fenior  fpoufe. 

Such 
*   Enjoys 


!o  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Such  the  old  fclfifli  folly  of  her  mind, 

So  bent  to  lick  the  duft,  and  grafp  the  wind,. 

Alledging  works  and  duties  of  her  own 

May  for  her  criminal  offence  atone; 

She  will  her  antic  dirty  robe  provide,  . 

Which  vain  (he  hopes  will  all  pollutions  hide* 

The  Ulthy  rags-  that  faints  away  have  flung, 

She  holding,  wraps  and  rolls  herfelf  in  dung. 

Thus,  maugre  all  the  light  the  gofpel  gives, 

Unto  her  nat'rai  confort  fondly  cleaves. 

Tho'  mercy  fet  the  royal  match  in  view, 

She's  loth  to  bid  her  ancient  mate~adieu. 

When  light  of  {"capture,  reafan,  common'fenfe, 

Can  hardly  mortify  her  vain  pretence 

To  legal  righteoufnefs  ;  yet  if  at  laft 

Her  confcience  rous'd  begins  to  ftand  aghaft, 

Prefs'd  with  the  dread  of  hell,  fhe'll  ralhly  patch, 

And  halve  a  bargain  with  the  profer'd  match  j 

In  hopes  his  help  together  with  her  own 

Will  turn  to  peaceful  fmiles  the  wrathful  frown. 

Though  grace  the  rifing  fun  delightful  fings, 

With  full  falvation  in  his  golden  wings, 

And  righteoufnefs  compleat ;  the  faithlefs  foul, 

Receiving  half  the  light,  rejects  the  whole  ; 

Revolves  the  facred  page,  but  reads  purblind 

The  gofpel-raeflage  with  a  legal  mind. 

Men  dream  their  ftate,  ah !  too  too  {lightly  view'd* 

Needs  only  be  amended,  notrenew'd,- 

Scorn  to  be  wholly  debtors  unto  grace, 

Hopeful  their  works  may  meliorate  their  cafe. 

They  "fancy  prefent  pray'rs  and  future  pains 

Will  for  their  former  failings  make  amends : 

To  legal  yokes  they  bow  their  fervih 

And,  left  foul  flips  their  falfe  repofe 

Think  Jefus'  merits  make  up  all  defects. 

They  patch  his  glorious,  robe  wi:h  filthy  rags, 

And  burn  but  incenfe  to  their  proper  drags , 

Difdain  to  ufehis  righteoufnefs  alone, 

But  as  an  aiding  flirr'p  to  mount  their  own; 

Thus  in  Chrift's  reom  his  rival  felf  enthrone, 

And 


amends : 
le  necks,- 1 
perplex.  > 
ects.  J    * 

I 


Part  I.  :Thc \Belie-vsri    Efpcufal:. 

And  vainly  would,  drefs'd  up  in  legal  trim, 

Divide  falvation  'tween  themfelves  and  him. 

But  know,  vain  man,  that  to  his  mare,  mud  fall 

The  glory  of  the  whole,  or  none  at  all. 

In  him  all  wifdom's  hidden  treafures  ly, 

And  all  the  fulnefs  of  the  Deity. 

This  ftore  alone,  immenfe,  and-never  fperit9 

Might  poor  infolvent  debtors  well  content ; 

But  to  hell-prifon  juftly  Heav'n  will  doom 

Proud  fools  that  on  their  petty  Hock  prefume. 

The  foftefl  couch  that  gilded  nature  knows 

Can  give  the  waken'd  confcience  no  repofe. 

When  God  arraigns,  what  mortal  pow'r  can  Hand 

Beneath  the  terror  of  his  lifted  hand  ? 

Our  fafety  lies  beyond  the  nat'ral  line, 

Beneath  a  purple  covert  all  divine. 

Yet  how  is  precious  Chrifl,  the  way,-  defpis'd, 
And  high  the  way  of  life  by  doing  priz'd  ? 
But  can  its  vot'ries  all  its  levy  mow  ? 
They  prize  it  moll,  who  leafl  its  burden  know  i 

Who  by  the  law  in  part  would  fave  his  foul, 

Becomes  a  *  debtor  to  fulfil  the  whole. 

Its  pris'ner  he  remains,  and  without  bail, 

'Tillev'ry  mite  be  paid;   and  if  he  fail, 

{As  jure  he  mult,  fmce,  by -our  fmful  breach, 

Perfe&ion  far  furmounts  all  mortal  reach), 

Then  curil  for  ever  mull  his  foul  remain ; 

And  all  the  folk  ofGodmuftfay  Amen  ||. 

Why,  feeking  that  the  law  mould  help  afford ; 

In  honouring  the  law,  he  flights  its-Lord, 

Who  gives  his  law-fulfilling  righteoufnefs 

To  be  the  naked  Aimer's  perfect  drefs, 

In  which  he  might  with  fpotlefs  beauty  fhine 

Before  the  face  of  majefly  divine : 

Yet  lo  !  the  firmer  works  with  mighty  pains 

A  garment  of  his  own  to  hide  his  flams"; 

Ungrateful,  overlooks  the  gift  of  God, 

The  robe  wrought  by  his  hand, .  dy'd  in  his  bloo"3. 


*  Gal.  v.  3.      |j  Dcut.  xxvii.   26, 


*2       ^  Gospel     Sonnets. 

In  vain  the  Son  of  God  this  web  did  weave. 

Could  cur  vile  rags  fufficient  fhelter  give. 

In  vain  he  ev'ry  thread  of  it  did  draw, 

Could  iinners  be  o'ermantled  by  the  law. 

Can  mens  faivation  on  their  works  be  built, 

Whofe  faireit.  attions  nothing  are  but  guilt  ? 

Or  can  the  law  fupprefs  th'  avenging  flame, 

When  now  its  only  office  is  to  damn? 

Did  life  come  by  the  law  in  part  or  whole, 

Bleit  Jefus  dy'd  in  vain  to  fave  a  foul. 

Thofe  then  who  life  by  legal  means  expeft* 

To  them  is  Chriji  become  of  no  effecl ; 

Becaufe  their  legal  mixtures  do  in  fa£t 
Wifdom's  grand  project  plainly  counteract. 

How  clofe  proud  carnal  reafonings  combine* 
To  fruftrate  fov'reign  grace's  great  defign  ? 
Man's  heart  by  nature  weds  the  law  alone, 
Nor  will  another  paramour  enthrone. 

True,  many  feem  by  coune  of  life  profane, 
No  favour  for  die  law  to  entertain; 
But  break  the  bands,  and  call  the  cords  away, 
That  would  their  raging  lufts  and  paifions  Hay : 
Yet  ev'n  this  reigning  madnefs  may  declare, 
How  flri&ly  wedded  to  the  law  they  are ; 
For  now  (however  rich  they  feem'd  befcre) 
Hopelefs  to  pay  law-  debt,  they  give  it  o?er, 
Like  defp'rate  debtors   mad,  ftill  run  themfejves 

in  more. 
Defpairof  fuccefs  mews  their  flrong  deiires, 
'Till  legal  hopes  are  parch'd  in  luitiul  fires. 
"   Let's  give  (fay  they)  our  lawlefs  will  free  fcope, 
"  And  live  at  random,  for  there  is  no  hope  f." 
The  law,  that  can't  'em  help,  tliey  ftab  with  hate, 
Yet  fcorn  to  beg,  or  court  another  mate. 
Here,  lulls  moft  oppofite  their  hearts  divide, 
Their  beaitly  pamon,   and  their  bankrupt  pride. 
In  paiSon  they  their  native  mate  deface, 
In  pride  difdain  to  be  oblig'd  to  grace. 

Hence 
f  jfer.  xviii.   12. 


1 


1 


Part.  I.  The  Bt&evtPs  Efponfah.  t.% 

Hence  plainly,  as  a  rule  'gainfl  law  they  live,. 
Yet  clofely  to  it  as  a  cov'nant  cleave. 
Thus  legal  pride  lies  hid  beneath  the  patch, 
-And  ftrong  averiion  to  the  gofpel-match. 

C  H  A  P.     IT. 

The    manner  of  a  finners  divorce  from  the 
law  in  a  work  ci  humiliation,  and  cf  his 

marriage  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
or  the  way  ho  *v  a  (inner  comes  to  be  a 
believer, 

S  E  C  T.    I. 

a     lanv-<vjtorki  and  the   workings     of   legal    p-'ias 
under  it. 

C  O  prcud's  the  bride,  fo  backwardly  difpos'd, 
How  then  ihall  e'er  the  happy  match  be  closed  ? 
grace  the  tumults  of  her  heart  mult  quell, 
And  draw  her  heav'nward  by  the  gates  of  hell. 
The  Bridegroom's  Father  makes  by's  Holy  Sp'rit 
His  Hern  command  with  her  itiffconfeience  meet  5 
To  dalli  her  pride,  and  fhew  her  utmofr  need, 
Purfues  for  double  debt  with  awful  dread. 
He  makes  her  former  huiband's  frightful  ghoft 

:  ear  and  damn  her,  as  a  bankrupt  loft ; 
V.  ith  curfes,  threats,  and  Sinai  thunder-claps, 
Her  lofty  tow"r  of  legal  bcafting  faps. 
Thefe  humbling  florins  in  high  or  low  degrees 
Heav'n's  majefty  will  meafure  as  he  pleafe; 
But  ftill  he  makes  the  fiery  law  at  leaft 
Pronounce  its  awful  fentence  in  her  brealt, 
'Till  through  the  la*w  f  convict  of  being  loft, 
-She  hopelefs  to  the  la-jj  gives  up  the  ghofc : 
Which  now  in  rigour  comes  full  debt  to  crave, 
And  in  clofe  prifon  carl;  but  not  to  fave. 

t   Cal  ii.    19. 


I  \.  Gospel     Sonnets. 

For  now  'tis  weak,  and  can't  (through  our  default) 

Its  greatert  votaries  to  life  exalt. 

But  well  it  can  command  with  fire  and  flame, 

And  to  the  loweil  pit  of  ruin  damn. 

Thus  doth  it,  by  commifikm  from  above, 

Deal  with  the  bride,  when  Keav'n  would  court  her 

love. 
Lo !  now  fhe  ftartles   at  the  Sinai  trump, 
Which  throws  her  foul  into  a  difmal  dump. 
Confcious  another  hufband  me  mult  have, 
Elfe  die  for  ever  in  defzruction's  grave. 

While  in  conviction's  jail  {he's  thus  inclos'd- 
Glad  news  are  heard,  the  royal  mate's  propes'd,, 
And  now  the  fcornful  bride's  inverted  ftir 
Is  racking  fair,  he  fcorn  to  match  with  her. 
S)\e  dreads  his  fury,  and  defpairs  that  he 
Will  ever  wed  fo  vile  a  wretch  as  {he. 
And  here,  the  legal  humour  liirs  again 
To  her  prodigious  lofs  and  grievous  pain  : 
For  when  the  Prince  prefents  himfelf  to  be 
tier  hufband,  then  fhe  deems ;  -  Ah !  is  not  he 
Too  fair  a  match  for  fuch  a  filthy  bride  ? 
Unconfcious  that  the  thought  bewrays  her  pride, 
Ev'n  pride  of  merit,  pride  of  righteoufnefs, 
Expecting  Heav'n  mould  love  her  for  her  drefs^ 
Unmindful  how  the  fall  her  face  did  ftain, 
And  made  her  but  a  black  unlovely  fwain, 
Her  whole  primeval  beauty  quite  defae'd, 
And  to  the  rank  of  fiends  her  form  debas'd; 
Without  disMgur'd,  and  defil'd  within, 
Incapable  of  any  thing  but  fin. 
Heav'n  courts  not  any  for  their  comely  face,  ^    „ 
But  for  the  glorious  praife  of  fov'reign  grace,  > 
Elfe  ne'er  had  courted  one  of  Adam\  race,       3 
Which  all  as  children  of  corruption  be, 
Heirs  rightful  of  immortal  mifery. 
Yet  here  the  bride  employs  herfoolifli  wit, 
For  this  bright  match  her  ugly  form  to  fit ; 
To  daub  her  features  o'er  with  legal  paint, 
^That  with  a  grace  fhe  may  herieif  preient. 

Hopeful 


Part.  I.  The   Believer's    Efpcufah. 

Hopeful  the  Prince  with  credit  might  her  wed, 

If  once  fame  comely  qualities  ihe  had. 

In  humble  pride,  her  haughty  fpirit  Hags; 

She  cannot  think  of  coming  all  in  rags. 

Were  Ihe  a  humble,  faithful  penitent, 

She.  dreams  he'd  then  contract  with  full  content* 

Bafe  varlet !  thinks  fhe'd  be  a  match  for  him, 

Did  Ihe  but  deck  herfelf  in  handfom  trim. 

Ah  fooliih  thoughts !  in  legal  deeps  that  plod, 

Ah  forry  notions  of  a  fov'reign  God! 

Will  God  expofehis  great,    his  glorious  Son, 

For  our  vile  baggage  to  be  ford  ana  won  ? 

Should  finful  modeity  the  match  decline, 

Until  its  garb  be  briik  and  fuperfine ; 

Alas !  when  ihould  we  fee  the  marriage-day  ?' 

The  happy  bargain  mufi  nee  up  for  ay. 

Prefumplucus  fouls,-  in  furly  modefly, 

Half  favicurs  of  themfelves  would  fondly  be. 

Then  hopeful  th'  other  half  their  due  will  fall, 

Difdain  to  be  in  Jefas'  debt  for  all. 

Vainly  they  firfl  would  wafh  themfelves,  and  theri 

Addrefs  the  fountain  to  be  wafh'd  more  clean ; 

Firft  heal  themfelves,  and  then  expect  the  balm  : 

Ah  !  many  nightly  cure  their  fudden  qualm. 

They  heal  their  confcience  with  a  tear  orpray'r; 

And  feek  no  other  Chrijh,  but  perifh  there. 

O  fiuner,  fearch  the  houfe,  and  fee  th< 

That  (polls  tliy  Saviour's  crown,  th} 

The  hid,  but  heinous  fin  of  unbelh 

Who  can  pcffefs  a  quality  that's  good, 

'Till  firfi  he  come  to  Jefus'  cleanfing  bloGd  ? 

The  povv'r  that  draws  the  bride,  will  alfo  fhew' 

Unto  her  by  the  way  her  hellifh  hue, 

As  void  of  ev'ry  virtue  to  commend, 

And  full  of  ev'ry  vice  that  will  offend. 

'Till  fov'reign  grace  the  fullen  bride  fhall  catch,  ' 

She'll  never  hi  herfelf  for  fuch  a  match. 

Moft  qualify'd  they  are  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 

Who  fee  themfelves  moft  qualify'd  for  hell ; 

B    z  And 


iin  mere. 
e  the  thief  J 

:hy  foul's  relief,  V. 
Lief.  3,- 


i#  G'o  s  p  b  l     Son  >:  e  t  s. 

And,  ere  thre  bride  can  drink  falvation's  cup, 
Kind  Heav'n  muft, reach  to  hell  and  lift  her  up  : 
For  no  decorum  e'er  about  her  found, 
Is  me  belov'd;  but  on  a  nobler  ground. 
Jehovah's  love  is  like  his  nature  free, 
Nor  mull  his  creature  challenge  his  decree; 
But  low  at  fov'reign  grace's  footflcol  creep, 
Whofe  ways  are  fearchlefs,  and  his  judgment  deep.. 
Yet  grace's  fait  meets  with  refiftance  rude 
From  haughty  fouls;  .for  lack  of  innate  good 
To  recommend  them.     Thus  the  backward  bride 
Affronts  her  fuitor  with  her  modeil  pride. 
Black  hatred  for  his  offer'd  love  repays, 
Pride  under  mafk  of  modefly  difplays  : 
In  part  wou'd  fave  herfelf ;  hence,  faucy  foul ! 
Rejects  the  matchlefs  mate  would  fave  in  whole. 

SECT.     II. 

Conviction    of  fin  and   nurath,  carried  en    mere     deeply 
and  effectually  on  the   heart. 

C  O  proudly  forward  is  the  bride,  and  now 
y^   Stern  Heav'n  begins  to  Hare  with  cloudier  brow;. 
Law-curfes  come  with  more  condemning  pow'r, 
To  fearch  her  confeience  with  a  fiery  fhow'r, 
And  more  refulgent  flaihes  darted  in  ; 
For  by  the  law  the  knowledge  is  of  Jin  f. 
Black  Sinai,   thund'ring  louder  than  before, 
Does  awful  in  her  lofty  bofom  rore. 
Heav'n's  furious  florins  now  rife  from  every  %  ahlh, 
In  ways  more  terrible  to  Jhake  the  earth  [j , 
5 'Till  haughtinefs  of  men  bkfunk  thereby, 
7 hat  Chriil  alone  -may  he  excited  hi 

.ruble  earth  feems  from  her  centre  toil, 

lofty  mountains  in  the  ocean  loft. 

rocks  of  flint*  and  haughty  hills  of  pride, 
Are  torn  in  pieces  by  the  rearing  tide. 

Each: 

f  Rom,  ill.   co.     %  Wind.     |i  If.  ii.    17.   19- 


Part   I.  Tif&&lie-vsr>s  Efpmfah*  if 

Each  flafh  of  new  coni&ion's  lucid'rays 

Heart- errors,  undifcern'd  'till  now,  difplays  ; 

Wrath's  maify  cloud  upon  the  confcience  breaks,- 

And  thus  menacing  Heav'n,  in  thunder  fpeaks; 

"  Black  wretch,  thou  madly  under-foot  haft  trod, 

"  Th'  authority  of  a  commanding  God; 

"  Thou,  like  thy  kindred  that  in  Adam  fell,  ~) 

'J  Art  but  a  law-reverfing    lump  of  hell,  }>■ 

"  And  there  by  law  and  juitice  doom'd  to  dwell."  J 

Now,  now,  the  daunted  bride  her  irate  bewails, 

And  downward  furls  her  felf- exalting  fails; 

With  pungent  fear,  and  piercing  terror  brought 

To  mortify  hir  lofty  legal  thought. 

Why,  the  commandment  corns s,  fin  is  rei;icv,d, 

That  lay  fo  hid,  while  to  the  law  ihe  iiv'd ; 

Infinite  majeftyifa  God  is  feen, 

And  infinite  malignity  in  fin  : 

That  to  its  expiation  mult  amount  - 

A  facrifice  ofinfinite  account, 

Juitice  its  dire  feverity  dli^lcys, 

The  law  its  vail  dimensions  open  lays. 

She  fees  for  this  broad  ftandara  nothing  meet, 

Save  an  obedience  finlefs  and  cornpleat. 
Hercob-webrigfiteoufnefs,  cnce  in  renown,  - 
Is  with  a  happy  vengeance  now  fwcpt  down? 

Shewn/)  of  daily  faults  could  once  but  prate, 

Sees  bow  her  fmful,  miferable  Hate. 

Her  heart,  where  cnce  me  thought  forne  good  to  dwell, . 

The  devil's  cab'net  fiii'dwith  tram  of  hell. 

Her  boafied  features  nov/^unmalked  bare, 

Her  vaunted  hopes  are  plung'd  in  deep  defpair. 

Her  haunted  fheher-houfe  in  bypaft  years, 

Comes  tumbling  down  about  her  frighted  ears. 

Her  former  rotten  faith,  love,  penitence, 

She  fees  a  bowing  wall,  a  toit' ring  fence. 

Ex-iellcncies  of  thought,  and  word,  and  deed,- - 

All  f.virnming,  drowning  in  a  fca  of  dread; 

Her  beauty  now  deformity  fhe  deems, 

Her  heart  much  blacker  than  the  devil  feen;  , 

With 


With  ready  lips  fne  can  herfelf  declare 

The  vileil  ever  breath'd  in  vital  air. 

Her  former  hopes,  as  refuges  of  lyes, 

Are  fvvept  away,  and  all  her  boafhng  dies. 

She  once  im-dgin'd  Heav'n  would  be  unjuily 

To  damnfo  many  lumps  of  human  duft. 

Form'd  by  kimfelf ;  but  now  me  owns  it  true, 

Damnation  furely  is  the  fmner's  due  ; 

Yea,  now  applauds  the  law's  juil  doom  fo  well, 

That  juftry  me  condemns  herfelf  to  hell; 

Does  herein  divine  equity  acquit, 

Herfelf  adjudging  to  the  lowefl  pit, 

Her  language,  "  Oh!  If  God  condemn,  I  mull 

ft  From  bottom  of  my  fcul  declare  himjuft. 

"  But  if  his  great  falvation  me  embrace, 

P  How  loudly  will  I  iing  furprifmg  grace? 

"  If  from  the  pit  he  to  the  throne  me  raife, 

•■*  I'll  rival  angels  in  his  endlefs  praife, 

*'  If  hell-deferving  me  to  heav'n  he  bring, 

M  No  heart  fo  glad,  no  tongue  fo  loud  mail  fir»£v 

**  If  wifdom  has  not  laid  thefaving  plan, 

"  I  nothing  have  to  claim,  I  nothing  can. 

"  My  works  but  fin,  my  merit  death.  I  fee; 

"  Oh!  mercy,  mercy,  mercy!  pity  me." 

Thus  all  felf-j  unifying  pleas  are  dropp'd, 

Moil  guilty  me  becomes,  her  mouth  is  ftopp'd. 

Pungent  remorfe  does  her  pail  con  duel  blame, 

And  fiufn  her  confeious  cheeks  with  fpreading  mame* 

Her  felf-conceited  heart  is  felf-convict, 

With  barbed  arrows  of  compunction  prick'd  : 

Wcncers,,  how  juftice  fpares  her  vital  breath, 

How  patient  Heav'n  adjourns  the  day  of  wrath; 

How  pliant  earth  dee:  not  with  open  jaws 

Devour  her,  Kora'j-like,  for  equal  caufe  ; 

How  yawning  hell,   that  gapes  for  fuch  a  prey, 

Is  fr nitrate  with  a  further  hour's  delay. 

She  that  could  once  her  mighty  works  exalt, 

And  boaft  devotion  fram'd  without  a  fault, 

Extol  her  natral  pow'rs,  is  now  brought  down, 

Hw  former  rnadnefs,  not  her  pow'rs,  to  own. 


Het 


Part  I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufah.  \§ 

Her  prefent  beggar'd  ftate,  moft  void  of  grace? 
Unable  ev'n  to  wail  her  wofui  cafe, 
Quite  pow'rlefs  to  believe,  repent,  or  pray; 
Thus  pride  of  duties  flies  and  dies  away. 
She,  like  a  harden'd  wretch,  a  ftupid  ftonc, 
Lies  in  the  dull,  and  cries,  Undone,   Undone* 

SECT.     Ill, 

f  he     deeply    humbled  foul   relieved  <wiih    feme   favir.g 
di/co-ueries   0/' Christ    the   Redeemer. 

WHEN   thus  the  wounded  bride  perceives    full 
well 
Herfelf  the  vilelt  fmner  out  of  heli.-, 
The  blackeit  monfter  in  the  aniverie; 
Penfive  if  clouds  of  wo  (hall  e'er  difperfe. 
When  in  her  breait  Keav'ii's  wrath  fo  fiercely  glows*. 
'Twixt  fear  and  guilt  her  bones  have  no  repo  cv 
When  flowing  billows  of  amazing  dread 
Swell  to  a.  del  age  o'er  her  finking  head; 
When  nothing  in  her  heart  is  found  to  dwell. 
But  horrid  Atheifm,  enmity  and  hell; 
When  endlefs  death  and  ruin  feems  at  hand. 
And  yet  ihe  cannot  for  her  foul  command 
Kfigh  to  eafe  it,  or  a  gracious  thought, 
Tho'  Heav'n  could  at  this  petty  rate  be  bought*. 
When  darknefs  and  confuiion  overcloud, 
And  unto  black  defpair  temptations  croud; 
When  wholly  without  ftrength  to  move  or  Hh> 
i  And  not  a  ftar  by  night  appears  to  her : 
But  fhe,  while  to  the  brim  her  troubles  flow, 
Stands  trembling  on  the  utmoit  brink  of  wo. 
Ah  weary  cafe !  Bu-t  lo !  in  this  fad  plight. 
The  fun  arifes  with  furprifmg  light. 
The  darkefl  midnight  is  his  ufual  time 
Gf  rifing  and  appearing  in  his  prime.    " 
To  Ihew  the  hills  from  whence  falvation  fprihgs, 
And  chafe  the  gloomy  mades  with  golden  wings, 
The  glorious  hufband  now  unvails  his  face, 
Aad&ews  his  glory  full  of  truth  and  grace; 

Prefenls 


z&  Gospel     Son-nets, 

Prefents  unto  the  bride,  in  that  dark  hour, 
Himfelf  a  Saviour,  both  by  price  and  pow'r: 
A  mighty  Helper  to  redeem  the  loft, 
Relieve  andranfom  to  the  uttermoit; 
To  feek  the  vagrant  meep  to  deferts  driv'n, 
And  favc  from  lowefbhell  to  higheft  heav'n. 
Ker  dokful  cafe  he  fees,  his  bowels  move, 
And  make  her  time  of"  need  his  time  of  love. 
He  mews,  to  prove  er  mighty  ftiield, 

Mis  name  is  J  £  S  U  S,  by  his  Father  feal'd; 
A  m  atf  ibutes  engrav'd  within, 

To  favc  fin. 

And  t  cl  ail  of  ; .  'it  to  ioofe  5 

&an£lification  to  fubdue  its  f<way, 
Redumption  all  its  wi  fi  '  brood  to  flay.    ~ 

[en  letter  of  his  glorious  name 
Be^rs  full  deliverance  be  th  from  fin  and  fhame. 
Yea,  not  privation  bare  from  fin  and 
But  thence  all  pofitivefalv; 
To  make  htrivife,  juft, 
lie  now  appears  a  match  exadtly  meet, 
To  make  herev'ry  way  in  him  compleat, 
;::  thefulttefs  cf  the  Gcdhead  chvelh, 
That  me  may  boaft  in  him,  and  nothing  elfe. 
In  gofpel-Jines  me  now  perceives  the  dawn 
Qijefus*  love  with  bloody  pencil  drawn  j 
How  God  in  him  is  infinitely  pleas'd, 
And  Heav'n's  revenging  fury  whole  appeas'd : 
Law-precepts  magnify'd  by  her  belov'd, 
And  ev'ry  let  to  frop  the  match  remov'd. 
Now  in  her  view  her  prifon-gates  break  ope,  -. 
Wide  to  the  walls  flies  up  the  door  of  hope. 
And  now  me  fees  with  pleafure  unexprefsM 
Kor  fliattejrM  barks  a  happy  fhore  of  reft* 


iiom  nn  anu  mam 
rm  fm  and  wo  1 
ations  flow,  >  > 
>ly\  happy   too.    } 


SECT 


; 


Fart  I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals,  zi 

SECT.     IV. 

The  'workings  cf  the  Spirit  of  faith  in  fparating  the 
heart  from  all  J  elf- right  eon  fiefs,  and  drawing  out 
its    confent  to,  and  dsfire  after  Christ    alone   and 

^wholly, . 


■■ 


THE  bride  at  Sinai  little  understood, 
How  thefe   law-humblings  were  dzfign 
good, 
T'  enhance  the  value  of  her  tiufband's  blood 
The  tow'r  of  tott'ring  pride  thus  batter'd  down, 
Makes  way  for  Chrifi  alone  to  wear  the  crown. 
Conviction's  arrows    pierc'd  her  heart,  that  fo 
The  blood  from  his  pierc'd  heart  to  hers  might  flow* 
The  law's  fharp  plough  tears  up  the  fallow-ground, 
Where  nGt  a  grain  of  grace  was  to  be  found, 
Till  ilraight  perhaps  behind  the  plough  is  fown 
The  hidden  feed  of  faith,  as  yet  unknown. 
Hence  now  the  once  reluclan^bride's  inclin'd 
To  give  the  gofpel  an  a/jenting  mind, 
Difpos'd  to  take,  would  grace  the  pow'r  impart, 
Heav'n's  offer  with  a  free  contenting  heart. 
His  Spirit  in  the  gofpel-chariot  rides,  "p. 

And  mews  his  loving  heart  to  draw  the  bride's ;  %'■ 
Tho'  oft  in  .clouds  his  drawing  pow'r  he  hides,    j| 
His  love  in  gracious  ofFers  to  her  bears, 
In  kindly  anfwers  to  her  doubts  and  fears, 
Refolving  all  objections  more  or  lefs, 
From  former  fins,  or  prefent  worthlefnefs, 
Perfwades  her  mind  c-Ps  conjugal  confent, 
And  then  impow'rs  her  heart  to  fay,  Content + 
Content  to  be  divorced  from  the  law, 
No  more  the  yoke  of  legal  terms  to  draw, 
Content  that  he  diifolve  the  former  match,: 
And  to  himfelf  alone  her  heart  attach, 
Content  to  join  with  Chrifi  at  any  rate, 
And  wed  him  as  her  eveiiafcing  mate, 
Content  that  he  mould  ever  wear  the  bays, 
And  cf  her  whole  falvation  have  the  praife. 

Contest 


22  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Content  that  he  ftiould  rife,  tho'  me  fhould  fall, 
And  to  be  nothing,  that  he  may  be  all. 
Content  that  he,  becaufe  me  nought  can  do, 
Do  for  her  all  her  work,  and  in  her  too. 
Here  ilie  a  peremptory  mind  difplays, 
That  he  do  all  the  work,  get  all  the  praife, 
And  now  fhe  is,  which  ne'er  till  now  took  place3 
Content  entirely  to  be  fav'd  by  grace. 
She  owns  that  her  damnation  juit  would  be, 
And  therefore  her  falvation  muff  be  free : 
That  nothing  being  hers  but  {in  and  thrall, 
She  muft  be  debtor  unto  grace  for  all. 

Hence  comes  me  to  him  in  her  naked  cafe,  • 
To  be  invefted  with  his  righteoumefs., 
Sheccmes,  as  guilty,  to  a  pardon  free; 
As  vile  and  j;hhyy  to  a  cleanfing  fca : 
As  poor  and  empty,  to  the  richefr,  flock ; 
As  weak  and  feeble,  to  x)i^  flrongefl  rock: 
As  perifhing,  unto  a  fhield  from  thrall ; 
As  worfe  than  nothing,  to  an  all  in  all. 
She,  as  a  blinded  mole,  an  ign'rant  fool, 
Comes  for  inftru&ion  to  the  Prophet's  fchool. 
She,  with  a  hell-deferving  confeious  br*rafl, 
Flees  for  atonement  to  the  worthy  Prieft. 
She,  as  a  Have  to  fin  and  Satan,  wings 
Her  flight  for  help  unto  the  King  of  kings, 
She  all  her  maladies  and  plagues  brings  forth 
To  this  phyfician  of  eternal  worth. 
She  fp  reads  before  his  throne  her  filthy  fore, 
And  lays  her  broken  bones  down  at  his  door. 
No  mite  fhe  has  to  buy  a  crumb  of  blifs 
And  therefore  comes  impov'rim'd  as  me  is. 
By  fin  and  Satan  of  ail  good  bereft, 
Comes  e'en  as  bare  as  they  her  foul  have  left. 
To  fenfe,  as  free  of  holinefs  within, 
As  Chnj},  the  fpotleis  lamb,  wa:  free  of  fin . 
She  comes  by  faith,  true;  but  it  me  v/s  her  want, 
And  brings  her  as  a  firmer,  not  a  faint, 
A  wretched  finner  flying  for- her  good 
Tjo  j uflifying,  fm&ifying  blood. ' 

Strong 


Paf.t  I.  f 'he  Believers  Efpou/u':, 


23 


Strong  faith  no  ftrength  nor  pow'r  of  acling  vaunts, 
But  a&s  in  fenfe  of  weaknefs  and  of  wants. 
Drained  now  of  ev'ry  thing  that  men  may  call  > 
Terms  and  conditions  of  relief  from  thrall;      5- 
Except  this  one,  that  Jefus  be  her  all.  -i 

Wnen  to  the  bride  he  gives  efpoufmg  faith, 
It  finds  her  under  fin,  and  guilt,  and  wrath. 
And  makes  her  as  a  plagued  wretch  to  fall 
At  Jefus'  footftool  for  the  cure  of  all. 
Her  whole  falvation  now  in  him  me  feeks, 
And  muling  thus  perhaps  in  fecret  fpeaks : 

"  Lo !  all  my  burdens  may  in  him  be  eas'd  | 
"  The  juftice  I  offended  he  has  pleas 'd; 
"  Theblifs  that  I  have  forfeit  he  procur'd;        » 
"  The  curfe  that  I  deferved  he  endur'd; 
*;  The  law  that  I  have  broken  he  obey'd; 
Mi  The  debt  that  I  contracted  he  has  paid! 
iC  And  though  a  match  unfit  for  him  I  be, 
«4  I  find  him  ev'ry  way  moil  fit  for  me. 

"  Sweet  Lord,  I. think,  wculdft  thou  thyfelf  impart, 

I'd  welcome  thee  with  open  hand  and  heart. 

But  thou  that  fav'ft  by  price,-  muft  fave  by  pow'r; 

O  fend  thy  Spirit  in  a  fiery  fliow'r, 

This  cold  and  frozen  heart  of  mine  to  thaw, 

That  naught,  fave  cords  of  burning  love,  can  draw. 

0  draw  me,  Lord,  then  will  I  run  to  thee, 
And  glad  into  thy  glowing  bofom  flee. 

1  own  myfelf  a  mafs  of  fin  and  hell, 
A  brat  that  can  do  nothing  but  rebel : 
Bat  didji  thou  not,  as  facred  pages  fhew  *, 
(When  rifing  up  to  fpoil  the  hellifh  crew, 
That  had  by  thomands,  finners  captive  made, 
And  hadfc  in  conqu'ring  chains  them  captive  led) 

}*.  Get  donatives,    not  for  thy  proper  gain, 
But  royal  bounties  for  rebellious  mm, 
Gifts,  graces,  and  the  Spirit  without  bounds, 
For  God's  m--w  houfs  <wiih  ?nan  on  firmer  grounds? 
O  then  let  me  a  rebel  now  come  fpeed, 
Thy  holy  Spirit  is  the  gift  J  nsed, 

"  His 
*  JPfaL  lxviii.   i8« 


24  Gospel     Sonnet*. 

"  Kis  precious  graces  too,  the  glorious  grant, 

V  Thou  kindly  promis'd,  and  I  greatly  want. 

s<  Thou  art  exalted  to  the  higheit  p\ 

'•       o  gifct  repentance  forth  and evry  grace. 

"  O  giver  of  Spiritual  ljfe  and  breath, 

"   The  author  and  thtfinijher  of  faith ; 

*•'  Thou  Hufband-like  muft  cv  ry  thing  provide, 

"  If  e'er  ike  like  of  me  become  thy  bride." 

SECT.     V. 

V  itfV-io  of.  the  freedom  of  grace,  cordial  r enun- 
ciation if  all  its  own  ragged  rigbteoufnefs,  and 
formal    acceptance  of  and  dofi?ig  -with   the  .per ft  n    of' 

'ious  Christ. 

o 

THz.  bride  with  open  eyes,  that  once  were  dim, 
Sees  now  her  whole  falvation  lies  in  him; 
The  Prince,  who  is  not  in  difpenfmg  nice, 
But  freely  gives  without  her  pains  or  price. 
This  magnifies  the  wonder  in  her  eye, 
V/ho  not  a  farthing  has  wherewith  to  buy; 
For  now  her  humbled  mind  can  difavow 
.  beauty  and  affirming  brow, 
With  cottfeious  eye  difcern  her  emptinefs, 
With  candid  lips  her  poverty  confefs, 
"  O  glory  to  the  Lord  that  grace  is  free, 
"  Elfe  never  would  it  light  on  guilty  me, 
"  1  nothing  have  with  me  to  be  its  price, 
"  But  hellifh  blacknefs,  enmity  and  vice." 
In  former  times  (he  da'fft  prefuming  come, 
To  grace's  market  with  a  petty  furii 

ers,  tears,  a  boafted  fe% 
Expecting  Ileav'n  would  thus  be  in  her  debt, 
were  the  price,  at  leaf!  9ie  did  fuppofe 
She'd  be  the  welcomer  becaufe  of  thefe  : 
But  now  me  fees  the  vilenefs  of  her  vogue, 
The  dung  that  clofe  doth  ev'ry  duty  clog, 
The. fm  that  doth  her  holinefs  reprove, 
i^ie  enmity  that  clufe  attends  her  leve, 

The 


Part  I.  The  Btlkvtr's  Efpcufak, 

The  great  heart-hardnefs  of  her  penitences 

The  ftupid  dulnefs  of  her  vaunted  fenfe. 

The  unbelief  of  former  blazed  faith, 

The  utter  nethingnefs  of  all  me  hath. 

The  blacknefs  of  her  beauty  me  can -fee, 

The  pompous  pride  of  ftr-ain'd  humilirie, 

The  naughtineis  of  all  her  tears  and  -pray'rs^ 

-And  now  renounces  all  as  worthlefs  wares;    . 

And  finding  nothing  to  commend  herfelf, 

But  what  might  damn  her,  her  embezled  pelf; 

Atfov'reign  grace's  feet  does  proftratefall, 

Content  to  be  in  Jo/us*,  debt  for  all, 

Her  noifed  virtues  vanim  out  offight, 

As  ftarry  tapers  at  meridian  light ; 

While  fVeetly,  humbly,  fhe  beholds  at  length 

Chrift,  as  her  only  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength. 

He  with  the  view  throws  down  his  loving  dart, 

Imprcft  with  pow'r  into  her  tender  heart, 

The  deeper  that  the  law's  fierce  dart  was  thrown, 

The  deeper  now  the  dart  of  love  goes  down  : 

Hence,  fweetly  pain'd,  her  cries  to  heav'n  do  flee: 

**  O  none  but  Jefus,  none  but  Chrijl  for  me; 

"  O  glorious  Chrifi,  Q  beauty,  beauty  rare! 

*'  Ten  thoufand  thoufand  heav'ns  are  not  fo  fair. 

4t  In  him  at  once  all  beauties  meet  and  ihine, 

*l  The  white  and  ruddy,  human  and  divine. 

*l  As  in  his  -low,  he's  in  his  high  abode, 

"  The  brighten:  image  of  the  unfeen  God, 

"  How  juftly  do  the  harpers  fing  above, 

*'  His  doing,  dying,  riling,  reigning  love^? 

ii  How  juftly  does  he,  when  his  work  is  done, 

6  *   Pofiefs  the  centre  of  his  Father's  throne  ? 

*'  How  juftly  do  his  awful  throne  before 

"  Seraphic  armies proftrate,  him  adore; 

"  That's  both  by  nature  and  donation  crown'd, 

"  With  all  the  grandeur  of  the  Godhead  round  ? 

"  But  wilt  thou,  Lord,  in  very  deed  come  dwell 
"  With  me,  that  was  a  burning  brand  of  hell? 
u  With  me,  fo  juftly  reckon'd  worie  and  lefs 
"  Than  infect,  mite,  or  atom  can  exorefs  } 


mite,  or  atom  can  exprei 


C  ^W'1! 


2P  <j  O  S   P.E.L       S  O  V   N*  E  T  5. 

"  Wilt  thou  debafe  thy  high  imperial  form, 
"  To  match  with  fuch  a  mortal,  crawling  worm  I 
"  Yea,  fare  thine  errand  to  our  earthly  coafl, 
"  Was  in  deep  love  to  feek  and  fave  the  loft : 
P  And  fince  thou  deign'ft  the  like  of  me  to  wed. 
"  O  come  and  make  my  heart  thy  marriage-bed. 
"  Fair  Jefus,  wilt  thou  marry  filthy,  me  1 
"  Amen,  Amen,  Amen;  fo  let  it  be." 

CHAP.     HI. 

The  fruits  of  the  believer's  marriage  with 
Christ,  particularly  gofpel-holineis  and 
obedience  to  the  law  as  a  rule. 

SECT.    J. 

The    fnveet  folemnity    of  the    marriage  nenv   over,    ana 
the  fad  eff eels  of  the  remains  of  a  legal Jpirit. 

THE   match  is  made,  with  little  <iin  'tis  done, 
But  with  great  pow'r,  unequal  prizes  won. 
The  Lamb  has  fairly  won  his  worthless  bride; 
She  her  great  Lord,  and  all  his  ftore  befide. 
He  made  the  pooreft  bargain,  though  moll  wife; 
And  fhe,  the  fool,  has  won  the  worthy  prize. 

Deep  floods  of  everlafting  love  and  grace, 
That  under  ground  ran  an  eternal  fpace, 
Now  rife  aloft  'bove  banks  of  fin  and  hell, 
And  o'er  the  tops  of  maffy  mountains  fwtrll. 
In  ftreams  of  blood  are  tow'rs  of  guilt  o'erfiown, 
Down  with  the  rapid  purple  current  thrown. 

The  bride  now  as  her  all  can  J  ejus  own, 
And.  proflrate  at  his  footflool-caft  her  crown, 
Difclaiming  all  her  former  groundiefs  hope, 
While  in  the  dark  her  foul  did  weary  grope. 
Down  tumble  all  the  hills  of  felf-conceit, 
In  Jam  alone  Pue  fees  herfelf  compleat; 

.Doe* 


. 


Part  I.  The  Believer's- Efpmfals.  27 

Does  his  fair  perfon  with  fond  arms  embrace, 
And  all  her  hopes  On  his  full  merit  place ; 
Difcard  her  former  mate,  and  henceforth  draw 
No  hope,  no  expectation  from  the  law. 

Tho'  thus  her  new  created  nature  foars, 
And  lives  aloft  on  Jejuf  heavenly  ftcres; 
Yet,  apt'to  ftray,  her  old  adult'roas  heart 
Oft  takes  her  old  renounced  hufband's  part : 
A  legal  cov'nant  is  fo  deep  ingrain'd 
Upon  the  human  nature  laps'd  and  ftain'd, 
That,  till  her  fpirit  mount  the  pure!!  clime,' 
She's  never  totally  divorc'd  in  time. 
Hid  in  her  corrupt  part's  proud  bofom  lurks 
Some  hope  of  life  ftill  by  the  law  of  works. 

Hence  flow  the  following  evils  more  or  lefs ; 
Preferring  oft  her  partial  holy  drefs, 
Before  her  Hufband's  perfect  righteoufnefs. 

Hence  joying  more  in -grace  already  giv'n-,: 
Than  in  her  head  and  flock  that's  all  in  heav'n. 
Hence  grieving  more  the  want  of  frames  and  grace, 
Than  of  himfelf  the  fpring  of  all  folace. 

Hence  guilt  her  foul  imprifons,  lufts  prevail, 
While  to  the  law  her  rents  infolvent-  fail. 
And  yet  her  faithlefs  heart  rejects  her  Hufband' 
bail. 

Hence  foal-diforders  rife,  and  racking  fears, 
While  doubtful  of  his  clearing  paft  arrears ; 
Vain  dreaming,  fince  her  own  obedience  fails, 
His  likevvife  little  for  her  help  avails. 

Hence  duties  are  a  talk,  while  all  in  view 
Is  heavy  yokes  of  laws,  or  old  or  new  : 
Whereas,  were  once  her  legal  bias  broke, 
She'd  find  her  Lord's  commands  an  eafy  yoke* 
No  galling  precepts  on  her  neck  he  lays, 
Nor  any  debt  demands,  fave  what  he  pays 
By  premis'd  aid :  But  lo,  the  grievous  law 
Demanding  brick,  won't  aid  her  with  a  ftraw.  - 

Hence  alfo  fretful  grudging,  difcontent, 
Crav'd  by  the  law,  finding  her  treafure  (pent, 
And  doubting  if  hex  Lord  will  pay  the  rent. 

Hence 


i 


28  Gospel     So  n  n  t  t  s. 

Hence  pride  of  duties  too  does  often  fweli, 
Prefuming  flie  perform 'd  fo  very  well. 

Hence  pride  of  graces  and  inherent  worth 
Springs  from  her  corrupt  legal  bias  forth  ; 
And  boaftingmore  aprefentwith'ring  frame,. 
Than  her  exalted  Lord's  unfading  name. 

Hence  many  falls  and  plunges  in  the  mire, 
As  many  new  converfions   do  require  : 
Eecaufe  her  faithlefs  heart's  fad  follies  breed 
Much  lewd  departure  from  her  living  Head, 
Who,  to  reprove  her  aggravated  crimes, 
Leaves  her  abandon'd  to  herfelf  at  times ; 
That,  falling  into  frightful  deeps,  me  may 
From  fad  experience  learn  more  ftrefs  to  lay, 
Mot  on  her  native  efforts,  but  at  length 
On  Chrift  alone,  her  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength : 
Confcious,  while  in  her  works  me  feelcs  repofe, 
Her  legal  fpirit  breeds  her  many  woes. 

SECT.     II. 

Faith's  <vi£tories  over  Sin  and  Satanf  through  new  and 
farther  difcoveries  of  Christ,  making  believers 
more  fruitful  in  holinefs  than  all  other  pretenders 
to  vsorks. 

THE  gofpel-path  leads  heav'nward;    hence  the 
t  fray, 
Hell-powr's  flill  pufh  the  bride  the  legal  way. 
So  hot  the  war,  her  life's  a  troubled  flood, 
A  field  of  battle,  and  a  fcene  of  blood, 
But  he  that  once  commenc'd  the  work  in  her, 
Whofe  working  ringers  drop  the  fweetejl  myrrh,. 
Will  ftill  advance  it  by  alluring  force,. 
And,  from  her  ancient  mate,  more  clean  divorce ; 
Since  'tis  her  antiquated  fpoufe  the  law 
The  ftrength  of  fin.  and  hell  did  on  her  draw. 
Piece-meal  me  finds  hell's  mighty  force  abate*. 
By  new  recruits  from  her  almighty  Mate. 

Frefl! 


'Part   I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  29 

Frefh  armour,  fent  from  grace's  magazine, 
Makes  her  proclaim  eternal  war  with  fin. 
The  ihield  of  faith,  dipt  in  the  Surety's  bloody 
Drowns  fiery  darts,  as  in  acrimfon  flood. 
The  Captain's  ruddy  banner,  lifted  high,  - 
Makes  hell  retire,  and  all  the  furies  fly, 
Yea,  of  his  glory  ev'ry  recent  glance 
Makes  fin  decay,  and  hoiinefs  advance,. 
In  kindnefs  therefore  does  her  heav'nly  Lord 
Renew 'd~difcov'ries  of  his  love  afford, 
That  her  enamour'd  foul  may  with  the  view 
Be  cail  into  his  holy  mould  anew  : 
For  when  he  manifefts  his  glorious  grace. 
The  charming  favour  -of  his  fmiling  face* 
Into  his  imagefair  transforms  her  foul*, 
Aad  wafts  her  upward  to  the  heav'nly  pole5 
From  glory  unto  glory  by  degrees, 
Till   vifif>n    and  fruition  mall  iuifice.- 
And  thus  in  holy  beauty  Jefus'  bride 
Shines  far  beyond  the  painted  fons  of  .pride. 
Vain  merit-vouchers,  and  their  fubtile  apes, 
.  In  all  their  moft  remi'd,  delufive  fhapes, 
No  lawful  child  is  ere  the  marriage  born ;    * 
Tho'  therefore  virtues  feign'd  their  life  adorn, 
The  fruit  they  bear  is  but  a  fpurious  brood, 
Before  this  happy  mairiage  be  made  good. 
And  'tis  not  ftrange,  for  from  a  corrupt  tree    - 
No- fruit  divinely,  good  produc'  d  can  be*    - 
But  lo,  the  bride,  graft  in  the  living  ?oot> 
Brings  forth  moft  precious  aromatic  fruit. 
When  her  new  heart  and  her  new  Huiband  meet, 
Her  fruitful  womb  is  like  a  heap  of  wheat, 
Befet  with  fragrant  lilies  round  about  f,  ") 

All  divine  graces,  in  a  comely  rout,  V 

Burning  within,  and  mining  bright  without.  J   . 
And  thus  the  bride,  as  facred  fcripture  faith. 
When  dead  unto  the  law  through  J  ejus'  death  \, 

C3  -  <  Atid 

*  2  Cor,  liu  18.     f;  Cant.  vii.  2.    t.Rffm.  vii.  4, 


30  €j    OS   PEL       SO'MNtTS. 

And  matched  with  himy  bears  to  hir  God  and  Lord' 

Accepted  fruity   with  incenf  poor  decor*  d* 

Freed  from  law -debt,,  and  bleit  with  gofpel-ea^ 

Her  work  is  now  her  deareft  Lord  to  pieaie, 

By  living  on  him  as  her  ample  flock,. 

And  leaning  to  him  as  her  potent  rock. 

The  fruit,  that  each  law-wedded  mortal  brings,. 

To  felf  accrefces,  as  from  felf  it  fprings. 

So  bafe  a  rife  muft  have  a  bafe  recourfe, 

The  flream  can  mount  no  higher  than  its  fource. 

But  Jejus  can  his  bride's  fweet  frvat  commend. 

As  brought  from  him  the  root,  to  him  the  end. 

She  does  by  fuch  an  offspring  him  avow 

To  be  her  ALPHA  andOMEGA  too. 

The  work  and  warfare  he  begins,  he  crowns, 

Tho'  maugre  various  conflicts,  ups  and  downs. 

Thus  through  the  darkfome  vale  fhe  makes  her  way,. 

Until  the  morning-dawn  of  glory's  day. 

i     SECT.     III. 

Tfue  facing  faith  magnifying  the  lanx',  both  as  a  co~ 
venaiity  and  a  rule,  falfe  faith  unfruitful  and  ruin-*- 
ing. 

PRoud  nature  may  reject  this  goipel-theme, 
And  curfe  it  as  an  Antinoman   fcheme. 
Let  flander  bark,  let  envy  grin  and  fight, 
The  curfe  that  is  fo  caufelefs  mall  not  light. 
If  they  that  fain  would  make  by  holy  force 
'Twixt  finners  and  the  law  a.clean  divorce, 
And  court  the  Lamb  a  virgin  chaile  to  wife, 
Be  charg'd  as  foes  to  holinefs  of  life, 
Well  may  they  fuffer  gladly  on  this  fcore, 
Apoftles  great  were  fo  malign'd  before. 
Do  "ive  make  void  the  law  through  faith  ?   nay,  why, 
We  do  if  more  fulfil  and  magnify 
Than  fiery  feraphs  can  with  holieft  flafh ; 
Avant,  vain  legalifts,  unworthy  train. 

Whea 


Fart  I;.  The  Believer's  EJpoufals.,  31 

When  as  ar^i'W^ltern  the  law  commands, 
Faith  puts  her  Lamb's  obedience  in  its  hands  : 
And  when  its  threats  guih  out  a  fiery  flood, 
Faith  flops  the  current  with  her  victim's  blood. 
The  law  can  crave  no  more,  yet  craves  no  lefs, 
Than  a&ive,  paflive,  perfect  righteoumefs. 
Yet  here  is  all,  yea  more  than  its  demands 
All  render'd  to  it  by  a  divine  hand. 
Mankind  is  bound  law-fervice  Hill  to  pay3  , 
Yea, .  angel-kind  is  alio  bound  t'  obey. 
It  may  by  human  and  angelic  blaze 
Have  honour,  but  infinite  partial  ways. 
Thefe  natures  have  its  luflre  once  defac'd, 
?Twill  be  by  part  of  both  for  ay  difgrac'd. 
Yet,  had  they  all  obfequi©us  flood  and  true, 
They'd  given  the  law  no  more  than  homage  due. 
But  faith  giv's   honour  yet  more  great,  more  odd9_ 
The  high,  the  humble  fervice  of  its  God. 

Again  to  view  the  holy  law's  command, 
As  lodged  in  a  Mediator's  hand ; 
Faith  gives  it  honour,  as  a  rule  of  life, 
And  makes  the  bride  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife. 
Due  homage  to  the  law  thofe  never  did, 
To  whom  th*  obedience  pure  of  faith  is  hid. 
Faith  works  by  love,  ana  purifies  the  heart y 
And  truth  advances  in  the  inward  part; 
On  carnal  hearts  impreffes  divine  flamps, 
And  fully'd  lives  inverts  to  mining  lamps. 
From  Abramh  feed,  that  are  moll  ftrong  in  faith,. 
The  law  moft  honour,  God  moft  glory  hath. 
But  due  refpedVto  neither  can  be  found, 
Where  unbelief  ne'er  got  a  mortal  wound, 
To  Hill  the  virtue-vaunter's  empty  found. 
Good  works  he  boafts,  a  path  he  never  trod, 
Who  is  not  yet  the  <ujorkmanJhip  of  God*, 
In  J  ejus  thereunto  created  neiv  ; 
Nois'd  works  that  fpring  not  hence  are  but  a  fhewv 
True  faith,  that's  of  a  noble  divine  race, 
Is  ftill  a  holy,  fanclifying  grace ; 

And 

*  Eph,  ii,  10 


3*-  G«spelSgnn~ets. 

And  greater  honour  to  the  law  does  fhare,: 
Than  boafters  all  that  breathe  the  vital  air. 
E'en  heathen  morals  vaflly  may  out-fhine 
The  works  that  flow  not  from  a  faith  divine. 

Pretenfions  high  to  faith  a  number  have, 
But  ah!  it  is  a  faith  that  cannot  fave  : 
"  We  truft9  fay  they,  in  Chrifi,  nve  hope -in  Gad" 
Nor  blufh  to  blaze  their  rotten  faith  abroad. 
Nor  try  the  trait  of  which  they  make  a  mew, 
If  of  a  laving  or  a  damning  hue.  * 
They  own  their  fins  are  ill;  true,  but 'tis  fad 
They  never  thought  their  faith  and  hope  were  bad. 
How  evident's  their  home-bred  nat'ral  blaze, 
Who  dream  they  have  believ'd  well  all  their  days ; 
Yet  never  felt  their  unbelief,  nor  knew 
The  neidofpow'r  their  natures  to  renew? 
Blind  fouls  that  boaft  of  faith,  yet-live  in  fin,    , 
May  hence  conclude  their  faith  is  to  begin;- 
Or  know  they  mail,  by  Rich  an  airy  faith, 
Believe  thsmfelves  to  everlafting  wrath. 
Faith  that  nor  leads  to  good,  nor  keeps  from  ill,    ■ 
Will  never  lead  to  heav'n,  nor  keep  from  hell. 
Thf  body  without  breath  is  dead  f  ;   no  lefs 
Js  faith  without  the  works  of  holinafs. 
How  rare  is  faving  faith,  when  earth  is  cram'd    ; 
With  fuch  as  will  believe  and  yet  be  damn'd; 
Believe  the  gofpel,  yet  with  dread  and  awe 
Have  neyer  truly  firil  believ'd  the  law? 
That  matters  mall  be  well,  they  hope  too  foon,    , 
W  ho  never  yet  have  feen  they  were  undone. 
Can  of  falvation  their  belief  be  true, 
Who  never  yet  believ'd  damnation  due  ?    '■ 
Can  thefe  of  endlefs  life  have  folid  faith, 
Who  never  fear'd  law-threats  of  endlefs  death  ? 
Nay,  fail'd  they  ha'nt  yet  to  the  healing  fhore,    - 
Who  never  felt  their  finful,  woful  fore.  • 

Imaginary  faith  is  but  a  blind, 
That  bears  no  fruit  but  of  a  deadly  kind  j 

The 
f  James  n.  26t 


RT  I.  The  Believer *s  Efpouj <ats.  33. 

The  leaf!  production  rife  of  living-  fruit. 

NTor  can  from  fuch  a  wild  unwholefom  root 

Bat  faving  faith  can-  fuch  an  offspring  breed, 

Her  native  product  is  a  holy  feed. 

The  faireft  irTues  of  the -vital  breath 

Spring  from  the  fertile  womb  of  heav'n-born  faith  y 

Yet  boafts  me  nothing  of  her  own,  but  brings 

Auxiliaries  from  the  King  of  kings, 

Who  graves  his  royal  law  in  rocky  hearts, 

And  gracious  aid  in  fbftning  fhow'rs  imparts  i 

This  gives  prolific  virtue  to  the  faith, . 

[nfpir'd  atfirfl  by  his  almighty  breath. 

fience,  fetching  all  her  fuccours  from  abroad* 

?he  flill  employs  this  mighty  pow'r  of  God. 

Drain'd  clean  of  native  pow'rs  and  legal  aims,. 

STo  ftrength  but  in  and  from  J-ehovab  claims. 

And  thus  her  fervice  to  the  law  o'ertops 

The  tow'ring  zeal  of  Pharifaic  fops. 

SECT.     IV. 

The    believer    only,     being    marrfd    to     CmtrsT,    h 
jujiified    and  fanSiified',  and.  the  more    gof pel- freedom. 
from   the  law  as  a  covenant,  the  more,  holy    conformity, 
to  it  as  a  rule, 

THUS  doth  the  Hufband  by  his  Father's  will 
Both  for  and  in  his  bride  the  law  fulfil: 
For  her,  as  'tis  a  covenant ;  and  then 
n  her,  as  'tis  a  rule  of  life  to  men. 
?irfl  all  law-debt  he  moll  compleatly  paysv . 
Then  of  law-duties  all  the  charge  defrays. 
Does  firfl  aflume  her  guilt,  and  looie  her  chains,. 
And  then  with  living  water  waih  her  ftains  ; 
^er  fund  reftore,  and  then  her  form  repair,- 
And  make  his  filthy  bride  a  beauty  fair; 
:Iis  perfect  righteoufnefs  moft, freely  grant,. 
And  then  his  holy  image- deep  implant; 
nto  her  heart  his  precious  feed  in-drop, 
•Vhich  in  his  time  will/yield  a  glorious  crop... 
But  by  alternate- turns  his  plants  he  brings 
Fiirough  robbing  winters  and  repairing  fprings. 

Hence, 


34  Gospel     Sonnets, 

Hence,  pining  oft,  they  fuffer  fad  decays 
By  dint  of  fhady  nights  and  ftormy  days. 
But  bleU  with  fap,  and  influence  from  above, 
They  live  and  grow  anew  in  faith  and  love ; 
Until  tranfplanted  to  the  higher  foil, 
Where  furies  tread  no  more,  nor  foxes  fpoil. 
While  Chrift  the  living  root  remains  on  high, 
The  noble  plant  of  grace  can  never  die ; 
Nature  decays,  and  10  will  all  the  fruit 
That  merily  rifes  on  a  mortal  root. 
Their  works,  however  fplendtd,  are  but  dead, 
That  from  a  living  fountain  don't  proceed; 
Their  faireft  fruit  is  but  a  garnifn'd  mrine, 
That  are  not  grafted  in  the  glorious  vine. 
Devouteil  hypocrites  are  ranked  in  rolls 
Of  painted  puppets,,  not  of  living  fouls. 

No  offspring  but  of  Chrift's  fair  bride  is  good, 
This  happy  marriage  has  a  holy  brood. 
Let  finners  learn  this  myftery  to  read, 
We  bear  to  glorious  Chrift  no  precious   feed. 
'Till  through  the  lazv,  <zue  to  the  la-iv  he  aead* t 
No  true  obedience  to  the  law,  but  forc'd, 
Can  any  yield,  '-till  from  the  law  divorced. 
Nor  to  it,  as  a  rule,  is  homage  giv'n, 
Till/ram  it,  as  a  covenant ,  men  be  driv'n. 
Yea  more,  tilL  once  they  this  divorce  attain, 
Divorce  from  fin  they  but  attempt  in  vain; 
The  curfed  yoke  of  fin  they  bafely  draw, 
'Till  once  unyoked  from  the  curiing  law. 
Sin's  full  dominion  keeps  its  native  place, 
While  men  are  under  la-xv,  not  under  grace  f. 
For  mighty  hills  of  enmity  won't  move,  * 

Till  touch'd  by  conqu'ring  grace  and  mighty  love. 

Were  but  the  gofpei-fecret  underftood, 
How  God  can  pardon  where  he  (ees  no  good ; 
How  grace  and  mercy  free,  that  can't  be  bought, 
Reign  through  a  righteoufnefs  already  wrought : 
Were  wofui  reigning  unbelief  deposed, 
Myfterious  grace  to  blinded  minds  difclos'd: 

*  Gal.  ii.   19.     f  Rom,  vi.   14. 


Did 


Part  I.  fbe  Believer's  Efpoufals,  35 


1 


Did  Heav'n  with  gofpel-nevvs  its  pow'r  convey, 
And  finners  hear  a  faithful  God  but  fey, 
"  No  more  law-debt  remains  for  you  to  pay; 
"  Lo,  by  the  loving  furety  all's  difcharg'd," 
Their  hearts  "behov'd  with  love  to  be  eniarg'd, 
Love,  the  fuccindt  fulfilling  of  the  law, 
Were  then  the  eafy  yoke  they'd  fweetly  draw, 
Lj"ve  would  conftrain  and  to  his  fervice  move 
Who  left  them  nothing  elie  to  do  but  lo/e. 
Slight  now  his  loving  precepts  if  they  can; 
No,  no,  his  conquering  kindnefs  leads  the  van. 

When  everlafling  love  exerts  the  fway, 
They  judge  themfelves  more  kindly  bound  t'  obey, 
Bound  by  redeeming  grace  in.urict.er  fenfe 
Than  ever  Adax*  was  in  innocence. 
Why  now  they  are  not  bound,  as  formerly, 
To  do  and  live,  nor  yet  to  do  or  die ; 
Both  Jife  and  death  are  put  in  Jefus*  hands, 
Who  urges  neither  in  his  kind  commands, 
Not  fervile  work  their  life  and  heaven  to  win, 
Nor  fiavilh  labour  death  and  hell  to  ihun. 
Their  aims  are  purer,  iince  they  undentood 
Their  heav'n  was  :bought,  their  hell  was  quench'd: 

with  blood. 
The  oars  of  goTpel -fervice  now  they  fleer, 
JVithout  or  legal  hope  or  fiavilh  fear. 

The  bride  in  iweet  fecurity  can  dwell, 
;Nor  bound  to  purchafe  heav'n,  norvanquifh  hell: 
But  bound  for  him  the  race  of  love  to  run, 
Whofe  love  to  her  left  none  of  thefe  undone; 
She's  bound  to  be  the  Lamb's  obedient  wife, 
J  And  in  his  length  to  ferve  him,  during  life; 
To  glorify  his  loving  name  for  ay 
i  Who  left  her  not  a  fingle  mite  to  pay 
Of  legal  debt,  but  wrote  for  her  at  Urge 
In  characters  of  blood  a  full  difcharge. 
Henceforth  no  fervile  tafk  her  labours  prove, 
But  grateful  fruits  of  reverential  love* 


SECT. 


} 


36  Gospel    Sinnets, 

SECT.     V. 

Coff el-grace  giving    no    liberty  nor  freedom   to  Jin,  but 
to  holy  fer<vice  and  pure  obedience. 

THe  glorious  Huiband's  love  can't  lead  the  wife 
To    whoredom  or  licentioufnefs  of  life: 
Nay,  nay,   foe  finds  his  warmeit  love  within. 
The  hotteit  fire  to  melt  her  heart  for  fin. 
His  kind  embrace  is  ltill  the  ftrongeft  cord 
To  bind  her  to  the  fervice  of  her  Lord. 
The  more  her  faith  infures  this  love  of  his, 
The  more  his  law  her  delectation  is. 
Some  dream,  they  might,  who  this  afiurance  win, 
Take  latitude  and  liberty  to  fin. 
Ah!  fuch  bewray  their  ignorance,  and  prove 
They  want  the  lively  fenfe  of  drawing  love, 
And  how  its  fweet  conilraining  force  can  move 
The  ark  of  grace  came  never  in  to  dwell, 
But  Dagon-lufts  before  it  headlong  fell. 
Men  bafely  can  unto  lafcivioufnefs 
Abufe  the  do&rine,  not  the  work  of  grace. 
Huggers  of  divine  love  in  vice's  path, 
Have  but  the  fancy  of  it,  not  the  faith. 
They  never  foar'd  aloft  on  grace's  wing, 
That  knew  not  grace  to  be  a  holy  thing; 
When  regnant  ihe  the  pow'rs  of  hell  appales, 
And  fin's  dominion  in  the  ruin  falls. 
Curft  is  the  crew,  whofe  Antinomian  drefs 
Makes  grace  a  cover  to  their  idlenefs. 
The  bride  of  Chrift  will  fure  be  very  loth 
To  make  his  love  a  pillow  for  her  lloth. 
Why,  mayn't  me  fin  the  more  that  grace  abounds  ? 
Oh,  God  forbid!  the  very  thought  confounds. 
When  dead  unto  the  law,  Ihe's  dead  to  fia  j 
How  can  Ihe  any  longer  live  therein  ? 
To  neither  of  them  is  ihe  now  a  flave, 
But  fliares  the  conquerl  of  the  great>  the  brave, 
The  mighty  Gen'ral,  her  victorious  Head, 
Who  broke  the  double  chain  to  free  the  bride. 

Hence, 


Part  I.  The  Beue-jcr's  Efpoufah. 

Kence,  prompted  now  with  gratitude  and  love, 

Her  cheerful  feet  in  fwift  obedience  move. 

More  ftrong  the  cords  of  love  to  duty  draw, 

Than  hell  and  all  the  curfes  of  the  law. 

When  with  feraphic  love  the  breaiVs  infpir'd, 

•By  that  are  all  the  other  graces  nr'd ; 

Thefe  kindling  round,  the  burning  heart  and  frame 

•In  life  and  walk  fend  forth  a  holy  flame. 


C  H  A  P.     IV. 

A  caution  to  all  agalnfl  a  legal  fpirit-  Qfpe- 
daily  to  thole  that  have  aprofeiiion  with- 
out power,  and  learning  without  grace. 

WHy,  fays  the  haughty  heart  of  legaljfis, 
Bound  to  the  law  of  works  by  natural  twills, 
**  Why  fueh  ado  about  a  law-divorce  ?  4 
"  Mens  lives  are  bad,  and  would  you  have  'em  vvorfe? 
"  Such  Antinomian  fluff  with  labour'd  toil 
**  Would  human  beauty's  native  luflre  fpoil. 
*'  What  wickednefs  beneath  the  cov'ring  lurks, 
*'  That  lewdly  would  divorce  us  all  from  works  ? 
"  Why  fuch  a  fHr  about  the  law  and  grace  ? 
*<  We  know  that  merit  cannot  now  take  place, 
"  And  what  needs  more? "  Well,  toletflander  drop, 
Be  merit  for  a  little  here  the  fcope. 

Ah !  many  learn  to  lifp  in  gofp  el- terms, 
Who  yet  embrace  the  law  with  legal  arms. 
By  wholefom  education  fome  are  taught 
To  own  that  human  merit  now  is  naught ; 
Who  faintly  but  renounce  proud  merit's  name^ 
And  cleave  refln'dly  to  the  Popifh  fcheme. 
For  graceful  works  expedting  divine  blifs, 
And,  when  they /ail,  truft  Chrifl  for  what's  ami&. 
Thus  to  his  righteoufnefs  profefs  to  flee, 
Yet  by  it  itill  would  their  own  faviours  be. 

D  They 


3  -8  v_r  o  s  p  e  l     Sonnets. 

They  feemto  works  of  merit  bloody  foes, 
Yet  feek  falvation  as  it  --were  ||  by  thofe. 
Blind  Gentiles  found,  who  did  nor  feek  nor  know 
But  IfraH  loft  it  whole,  who  fought  it  fo. 
Let  all  that  love  to  wear  the  legal  drefs, 
Know  that  as  fin,  fo  daftard  righteoufnefs, 
Has  flain  its  thoufands,  who  in  tow'ring  pride 
The  righteoufnefs  of  Jefus  Chriji  deride  ; 
A  robe  divinely  wrought,  divinely  won, 
Yet  call  by  men  for  rags  that  are  their  own. 
But  fome  to  legal* works  feem  whole  deny'd, 
Yet  would  by  gofpel-works  bejuflify'd, 
By  faith,  repentance,  love,  and  other  fueh :") 
TheCe  dreamers  being  righteous  over  much,    ^ 
Like  Uzza  give  the  ark  a  wrongful  touch.      J 
By  legal  deeds  however  gofpeliz^,* 
Can  e'er  tremendous  juftice  be  appeas'd  ? 
Or  fmners  juitify'd  before  that  God, 
Whofe  law  is  perfect  and  exceeding  broad  r 
Nay,  faith  itfelf,  that  leading  gofpel-grace, 
Holds  as  a  work  no  juitifying  place, 
jail  Heav'n  to  man  for  righteoufnefs  imputes 
Not  faith  itfelf,  or  in  its  acts  or  fruits ; 
But  Jefus1  meritorious  life  and  death, 
Faith's  proper  object,  all  the  honour  hath. 
From  this  doth  faith  derive  its  glorious  fame, 
Its  great  renown  and  juftifying name; 
Receiving  all  things,  but  deferving  nought ; 
By  faith  all's  begg'd  and  taken,  nothing  bought. 
Its  higheit.  name  is  from  the  wedding- vote, 
So  initrumental  in  the  marriage-knot. 
Jebcuo.b  lends  the  bride,  in  that  bleft  hour, 
Tb\  exceeding  greainefs  of  bis  mighty  po-zv'r ; 
Which  fweetly  does  her  heart-confent  command 
To  reach  the  wealthy  Prince  her  naked  hand. 
For  clofe  to  his  embrace  fhe'd  .never  flir, 
If  firft  his  loving  arms  embrae'd  not  her: 
But  this  he  does  by  kindly  gradual  chafe, 
Ofroufmg,  railing,  teaching,  drawing-grace. 

(j  Rom.  ix.  32, 


He 


Part  I.  The  Bclie-vcSs    Efpottfah.  59 

He  mews  her,  in  his  fweetefl  love-addrefs, 

His  glory  as  the  fun  of  righteoufnefs ; 

At  which  all  dying  glories  earth  adorn 

Shrink  like  the  lick  moon  at  the  wholefom  morn. 

This  glorious  San  arifing  with  a  grace. 

Dark  fhades  of  creature-righteoufnefs  to  chafe* 

Faith  now  difclaims  itfelf.  and  all  the  train  "]  ' 

Of  virtues  formerly  accounted  gain ;  )» 

And  counts  them  dung,  with  holy,    meek  difdain.  J~ 

Fornow  appears  the  height,  the  depth  immenfe 

Of  divine  bounty  and  benevolence; 

Amazing  mercy !  ignorant  of  bounds ! 

Which  moil  enlarged  faculties  confounds. 

How  vain,  how  void  now  feem  the  vulgar  charm?, 

The  monarch's  pomp  of  courts,  and  pride  of  arms  I 

The  boafted  beauties  of  the  human  kind, 

The  pow'rs  of  body,  and  the  gifts  of  mind  ? 

I'o!  in  the  grandeur  of 'ImmanuMs  train, 

All's  fwallowed  up  as  rivers  in  the  main. 

He's  feen,  when  gofpel-light  and  fight  is  giv'n, 

Encompafs'd  round  with  all  the  pomp  of  heav'n. 

The  foul  now,  taught  of  God,  {ees  human  fchoole- 
Make  Chriftiefs  Rabbi's  only  lit'-rate  fools ; 
And  that,  'till  divine  teaching  pow'rful  draw, 
No  learning  will  divorce  them  from  the  law. 
Mere  argument  may  clear  the  head,  and  fores  * 
A  verbal,  not  a  cordial  clean  divorce. 
Hence  many,  taught  the  wholefome  terms  of  art, 
Have  gofpel-heads,  but  ftiil  a  legal  heart. 
'Till  fov'reign  grace  and  pow'r  the  firmer  catch, 
He  takes  not  Jefus  for  his  only  match. 
Nay,  works  compete  !  ah !  true,  however  odd,   - 
Dead  works  are  rivals  with  the  living  God. 
5Till  Heav'n's  preventing  mercy  clear  the  fighlv 
Confound  the  pride  with  fupernat'ral  light; 
No  haughty  foul  of  human  kind  is  brought 
To  mortify  her  felf-exalting  thought. 

Yet  holierl  creatures  in  clay-tents  that  lodge, 
Be  but  their  lives  fcann'd  by  the  dreadful  Judge ;   : 

D-2  How 


4«  Gostel     Sonnet 

How  mall  they  e'er  his  awful  fearch  endure, 
Before  whofe  purefi  eyes  heav'n  is  not  pure  ? 
How  mull  their  black  indi&ment  be  enlaig'd, 
"When  by  him  angels  are  with  folly  charg'd  ? 
What  human  worth  fhall  Hand,  when  he  fhall  fcan  t 

0  may  his  glory  ftain  the  pride  of  man. 

How  wondrous  are  the  tracts  of  divine  grace, 
How  fearchlefs  are  his  ways,  how  vail  th'  abyfs  ? 
Let  haughty  reafcn  Hop,  and  fear  to  leap ; 
Angelic  plummets  cannot  found  the  deep. 
With  fcorn  he  turns  his  eyes  from  haughty  kings, 
With  pleafure  looks  on  low  and  worthlefs  things; 
]}eep  are  his  judgments,  fov'reign  is  his  will, 
Let  ev'ry  mortal  worm  be  dumb,  be  ftfll, 
In  vain  proud  reafon  fwells  beyond  its  bound ;  *"| 

God  and  his  counfels  are  a  gulf  profound,  }» 

An  ocean  wlierein  all  pur  thoughts  are  drown'd.       J 

CHAP.     V. 

Arguments  and  encouragements  to  gofpel- 
minifters  to  avoid  a  legal  (train  of  doc- 
trine, and  endeavour  the  finner's  match 
with  Christ  by  gofpel-means. 

S  EC  T.    I. 

A  legal  fpirit  the  root  of  'damnable'  error  Jr 

YE  heralds  great,  that  blow  in  name  of  God 
The  filver  trump  of  gofpel-gr?.ce  abroad ; 
And  found,  v  by  warrant  f'orn  the  great  I  AM, 
The   nuptial    treaty  with  the  worthy  Lamb : 
Might  ye  but  ftoop'  th'  unpoliuYd  mufe  to  brook, 
Arid  from  a  fnrub  an  wholefom  berry  pluck  ; 
Ye'd  take  encouragement  from  what  is  faid, 

1  fi>el-means  to  make  the  marriage  bed, 
And  so  \  our  glorious.  Loid  a  virgin  chaite  to  wed. 


i 


The 


Part  I,  The  BtlzeverU  Efppufah.  4.1 

The  more  proud  nature  bears  a  legal  {way, 
The  more  mould  preachers  bend  the  gofpel-way : 
Oft  in- the  church  arife  deftru&ive  fchifms 
From  anti-evangelic  aphorifms ; 
A  legal  fpirit  may  be .  juftly  nam'd 
The  fertile  womb  of  ev'ry  error  damn'd. 

Hence  Pop'ry,  fo  connat'ral  fmce  the  fall,    • 
Makes  legal  works  like  fav7iours  merit  all; 
Yea,  more  than  merit  on  their  moulder  loads, 
To  fupererogate  like  demi-gods. 

Hence  proud.  Socinians  feat  their  reafon  high,   > 
?Bove  every  precious  golpei-myilery, 
Its  divine  author  ilab,  and  without  fear 
The  purple  covert  of  his  chariot  tear. 

With-  thefe  run  Arian  monfters  in  a  line,    < 
All  gofpel-truthatcnce  to  undermine   : 
To  darken  and  delete,  like  hellilh  foes, 
The  brighteH  colour  of  the  Sharon  Rofe.    ■ 
At  beft  its  human  red  they  but  decry, 
That  blot  the  divine  nvfa'te,  the  native  dye* 

Hence  dare  Arntbiiam  too,  with  brazen  face,   . 
Give  man's  free-will  the  throne  of  God's  free-grace  f  ; 
Whofe  felf-exalting  tenets  clearly  mew 
Great  ignorance  of  law  andgofpel  too. 

Hence  Neonomians  fpring,  as  fundry  call    - 
The  new  law-makers,  toredrefs  our  fall.' 
Tlfe  law  of  works  into  repentance,  faith,    , 
Is  chang'd,  as  their  Baxurian  bible  faith. '  \ 
Shaping  thegofpel  toaneafyiaw, 
They  build  their  tott'ring  houfe  with  hay  andflraw^  : 
Yet  hide,  like  Racket's  idols  in  the  fluff, 
Their  legal  hands  within  a  gofpel-muff. 

Yea,  hence  fprings  Antinomian  vile  refufe,, 
Whofe  grofs  abettors  gofpel-grace  abufe ; 
Unfldll'd  how  grace's  filken  latchet  binds 
Her  captives  to  the  law  with  willing  minds.-  - 


B*  SEC& 


t3-  G-OSP'EL       S'OK'KETt, 

sect.   ir. 

A  h gal  ft  rain,  of  do  Brine  dif covered and  difcarded, 

NO  wonder  Paul  the  legal  fpirit   curfe,. 
Of  fatal  errors  fuch  a  feeding  nurie. 
He,  in  Jehovahh  great  tremendous  name, 
Condemns  perverters  of  the  gofpel-fcheme. 
He  damn'd  the  fophift  rude,  the  babling  prieii: 
Would  venture  to  corrupt  it  in  the  leail ; 
Yea,  curit  the  heav'nly  angel  down  to  hell, 
That  daring  would  another  gofpel  tell  *. 
Which  crime  is  charg'd  on  thefe  that  dare  difpenfe: 
The  felf-fame  gofpel  in  another  fenfe. 

Chrift  is  not  preach'd  in  truth,  but  in  difguife. 
If  his  bright  glory  half  abfconded  lies. 
When  gofpel-ibidiers,  that  divide  the  word, 
Scarce  brandifn  any  but  the  legal  fword. 
While  Chrift  the  author  of  the  law  they  preft, 
More  than  t:«e  end  of  it  for  righteoufnefs ; 
Chrift  as  zfeeker  of  our  fervice  trace, 
More  than  a.gi<v'er  of  enabling  grace. 
The  King  commanding  holinefs  they  mow, 
More  than  the  Prince  exalted  to  bellow ; 
Yea,  more  on  Chrift  the  fin-revenger  dwell, 
Than  Chrift  redeemer  both  from  fin  and  helL 

With  legal  fpade  the  gofpel-field  he  delves, 
Who  thus  drives  finners  in  unto  themfelves ; 
'Halving  the  truth  that  fhould  be  all  reveal'd, 
The  fweeteff  part  of  Chrift  is  oft  conceaPd. 
We  bid  men  turn  from  fin,  but  feldom  fay. 
Behold  the  Lamb  that  takes  all  Jin  ataay  ! 
Chrift,  by  the  gofpel  rightly  underftood, 
Not  only  treats  a  peace,  but  makes  it  good. 
Thofe  faitors  therefore  of  the  bride,  who  hope 
By  force  to  drag  her  with  the  legal  rope, 
Nor  ufe  the  drawing  cord  of  conqu'ring  grace, 
Purfue  with  flaming  zeal  a  fruitless  chafe  ; 


*  Gal,  i.  7.  8, 


Fart  L  The   Believer's    Efpoufds.  43 

In  vain  lame  doings  urge,  with  folemn  awe. 

To  bribe  the  fury  of  the  fiery  law  : 

"With  equal  fuccefs  to  the  fool  that  aims 

By  paper  walls  to  bound  devouring  flames. 

The  law's  but  mock'd  by  their  molt,  graceful  deed*. 

That  wed  not  firft  the  law- fulfilling  Head ; 

It  values  neither  how  they  wrought  nor  wept, 

That  flight  the  ark  wherein  alone  'tis  kept. 

Yet  legaliib,  DO,  DO,  with  ardour  prefs, 

And  with  prepoft'rous-  zeal  and  warm  addrefs, 

Would  feem  the  greater!  friends  to  holinefs  : 

But  vainly  (could  fuch  oppofites  accord) 

Refpect.  the  law,  and  yet  reject  the  Lord. 

They  mew  not  Jefus  as  the  way  to  blifs, 

But  Judas -like  betray  him  with  a  kifs 

Ofboafted  works,  or  mere  profeffion  puft, 

Law-boafters  proving  but  law-breakers  oft, 

S  E  C  T.     III. 

the  hurt f nine fs   cf  not  preaching   Christ,  and  dfjim 
guijhing  duly  between  laiv  and  go/pel. 

HELL  cares  not  how  crude  holinefs  be  preach'd, 
If  finners  match  with  Chriji  be  never  reached j. 
Knowing, their  holinefs  is  but  a  mam, 
Who  ne'er  are  marry'd  to  the  holy  Lamb* 
Let  words  have  never  fuch  a  pious  fhew, 
And  blaze  aloft  in  rude  profeifor's  view, 
With  facred  aromatics  richly  fpie'd, 
If  they  but  drown  in  filence  glorious  Chrift\. 
Or,  if  he  may  fome  vacant  room  firpply, 
Make  him  a  fubjec~l  only  by  the  by ;  < 

They  mar  true  holinefs  with  tickling  chat,. 
To  breed  a  baftard  Pharifaic  brat. 
They  wofully  the  gofpel-mefTage  broke, 
Make  fearful  havock  of  the  Mailer's  flock ; 
Yet  pleafe  themfelves  and  the  blind  multitude, 
By  whom  the  gofpel's  little  underftood. 


44*  .  @OSPEl       S  O  N  K  "E  T  3. 

Rude  fouls  perhaps  imagine  little  odds 
Between  the  legal  and  the  gofpel  roads : 
But  vainly  men  attempt  to  blend  the  two; 
They  differ  more  than  Chrijl  and  Mojes  do.  >. 
Mq/es,  evangelizing  in  a  made,   . 
By  types  the  news  of  light  approaching  fpread  j  . 
But  from  the  law  of  works  by  him  proclaim'd, 
No  ray  of  gofpel-grace  or  mercy  gleam'd. 
By  nature's  light  the  law  to  all  is  known, 
Butlightfome  news.of  g:(rcl -grace  to  none. 
The  doing  cov'nant  nov,-,  in  part  or  whole,   , 
Is  ftrong  to  damn,  but  weak  to  fave  a  foul.   . 
It  hurts,  and  cannot  help,  but  as  it  tends 
Through  mercy. to  fubferve  fome  gofpel-ends.    . 
Law-thunder  roughly  to  the  gofpel  tames, 
The  gofpel  mildly  to  the  law  reclaims. 
The  fiery  law,  as. 'tis  a  covenant, 
Schools  men  to  fee  the  gofpel-aid  they  want  j 
Then  gofpel-aid  does  fweetly  them  incline 
Back  to  the  law  as  'tis  a  rule  divine. 
HeavVs  healing  work  is  oftcommene'd  with  wounds,.- 
Tcrmr  begins  what  loving -kind  nefs  crowns. 
Preachers  may  therefore  prefs  the  fiery  law, 
To  frrike  theCliriftJefs  man  with  dreadful  awe. 
Law-threats  which  for  his  fins  to  hell  deprefs, 
Yea,  damn  him  for  his  rotten  righteoufnefs ; 
That,  while  he  views  the  law  exceeding  broad,    . 

He  fain  may  wed.  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 
But  ah  !  to  prefs  law-works  as  terms  of  life,    , 

Was  ne'er  the  way  to  court  the  Lamb  a  wife. 

To  urge  conditions  in  the  legal  frame, 

Is  to  renew  the  vain  old  cov'nant  game. 

The  la~v  is  good  ~jcben  la-va/uHy  'tis  us' d,    .. 

But  molt  deftruclive  when  it  is  abus'd. 

They  fet  not  duties'  in  the  proper  fphere,    . 

Who  duly  law  and  gofpel  don't  fevere; 

But  under  maffy  chains  let  finners  lie, 

As  tributaries,  or  to  DO  or  DIE, 

Nor  make  the  law  a  fquaring  rule  of  life,  . 

But  in  the  gofoel-throat  a  bloody  knife. 

SECT./ 


Part  I.'  The   Believer's    Efpoufals.  4; 

S  E  C  T.     IV. 

Damnable  pride  and  felf -right  eoufnefsy.fo  natural  to 
all  nien>  has  little  need  to  he  encouraged  by  legal 
preaching* 

THe  legal  path  proud  nature  lores  fo  well, 
(Tho'  yet  'tis  but  the  eleaneft  road  to  hell.) 
That,  lo!  e'en  thefe  that  take  the  fouleft  ways,. 
Whofe  lewdnefs  no  controulino;  bridle  ftavs  , 
If  but  their  drowfy  confcience  raife  its  \70ice, 
'Twill  fpeak  the  law  of  works  their  native  choice^. 
And  echo   to  the  routing  found,  "  Ah  true  I 
"  I  cannot  hope  to  live,  unlefs  I  DO." 
No  confeious  breaft  of  mortal  kind  can  trace 
The  myft'ry  deep  of  being  fav'd  by  graee. 
Of  this  nor  is  the  nat'ral.  confcience  fkill'd;; 
Nor  will  admit  it,  when  it  is  reveal'd; 
But  pufhes  at  the  gofpel  like  a  ram, 
As  proxy  for  the  law,  againil  the  Lamb". 

The  proud  felf-righteous  Pharifaic  ftrain 
Is,  **  Bleft  be  God  I'm.  not  like  other  men ; 
"  I  read  and  pray,  give  alms,  I  mourn  and  fait, 
Si  And  therefore  hope  I'll  get  to  heav'n  at  laft : 
<c  For,  the'  from  ev'ry  fin  I  be  not  free, 
"  Great  multitudes  of  men  are  worfe  than  ms. 
'*  I'm  none  of  thofe  thatfvvear,  cheat,  drink  and  whore. w  ' 
Thus  on  the  law  he  builds  his  Babel  tow'r. 
Yea,  ev'n  the  vileii  curfed  debauchee 
Will  make  the  lav,-  of  works  his  very  pleaj 
«i  Why,   (fays  the  rake),  what  take  you  me  to  be? 
"-  A  turk  or  infidel  (you  lye)  I  can't 
"  Be  term'd  fo  hzfe^  but  by  a  fycophant; 
"  Only  I  hate  to  aft  the  whining  faint. 
"•Iain  a  Chriflian  true ;  and  therefore  bode, 
"  -It  fr.aH  be  well  with  me,  I  hope  in  God. 
fi  An't  I  an  honeft  man?  yea,  I  defy 
6*  The  tongue  that  dare  a/Ten  black  to  mine  eye."" 
Perhaps,  when  the  reprover  turns  his  back, 
'He'll  vend  the  viler  wares  o'  Vep'ned.  pack, . 

An<i 


4-S  Gospel     80  n  r.  e  t  s. 

And  with  his  fellowc,  in  a  ftraiii  more  big, 

"  CjJ  damn  the  bafe,  uncharitable  whig. 

"  Thefe  fcoundrel  hypocrites  (he'll  proudly  fay) 

"  Think  none  lhall  ever  merit  heav'n  but  the  v. 

**  And  yet  we  may  compete  with  them  ;  for  ice, 

"  The  befl  have  blemifhes  as  well  as  we. 

"  We  have  as  good  a  heart  (we  truft)  as  thefe, 

*'  Tlio'  not  their  vain  fuperrluous  (hew  and  blaze. 

"  Bigotted  zealots,  wliofe  foul  crimes  are  hid, 

"  Would  damn  us  all  to  hell;  but  God  forbid. 

**  Whatever  fuch  a  whining  feet  profefs, 

"  'Tis  but  a  nice,  morofe,  affedted  drefs. 

"  And  tho'  we  don't  pretend  fo  much  as  thev, 

"  We  hope  to  compafs  heav'n  a  fhorter  wav; 

**  We  feek  God's  mercy,  and  are  all  along 

"  Moll  free  of  malice,  and  do  no  man  wrong. 

"  But  whims  phantaftic  fha'n't  our  heads  annoy,  . 

"  That  would  our  focial  liberties  deilroy.  . 

"  Sure,  right  religion  never  was  defign'd  .. 

•*  To  mar  the  native  mirth  of  human  kind. 

"  How  weak  are  thofe  that  would  be  thought  nonfuch ! 

**  How  mad,  that  would  be  righteous  o'ermuch  ! 

"  We  have  fufneient,  tho'  we  be  not  cramm'd  : 

u  We'll  therefore  hope  the  befl,  let  them  be  damn'cL" 

Ah  horrid  talk !  yet  fo  the  legal  drain 
Lards  ev'n  the  language  of  the  mofl  profane. 
Thus  dev'lifh  pride  overlooks  a  thoufand  faults, 
And  on  a  legal  ground  itfelf  exalts. 
This  DO  and  LIVE,  tho'  doing  pow'r  be  lofr,,- 
In  ev'ry  mortal  is  proud  nature's  boaft. 
How  does  a  vain  conceit  of  goodnefs  fwell 
And  feed  falfe  hope,  amidft  the  fhades  of  hell  ? 
Shall  we,  who  mould  by  gofpel-methods  draw. 
Send  finners  to  their  nat'ral  fpoufe  the  law ; 
And  harp  upon  the  doing  firing  to  fuch, 
Who  ignorantly  dream  they  do  fo  much  ?  . 
Why,  thus,  inflead  of  courting  Chrift  a  bride, 
WTe  harden  rebels  in  their  native  pride. 

Much  rather  ought  we  in  God's  name  to  place 
His  great  artill'ry  ilraight  againfl  their  face ; 

And 


'Part  I.  The  Believer 's  Efpoufals*  <*• 

And  throw  hot  Sinai  thunder-bolts  around, 

To  burn  their  tow'ring  hopes  down  to  the  ground, 

To  make  the  pillars  of  their  pride  to  make, 

And  damn  their  doings  to  the  burning  lake, 

To  cur fe  the  doem  unto,  endlefs  thraU> 

'that  never  did  coniinueto  do  all,'** 

To-fcorch  their  confeience  with  the  flaming  air, 

And  iink  their  haughty  hopes  in  deep  deipairj 

Denouncing  Ebal\  black  revenging  doom, 

To  blaft  their  expectation  in  the  bloom ; 

'Till  once  vain  hope  of  life  by  works  give  place 

v.Unto  a  folid  hope  of  life  by  grace. 

The  vig'-rous  ufe  of  means  is  fafely  urg'd, 

'  When  preffing  cails  from  legal  dregs  are  p urg'd; 
But  moil  unfafely  in  a  fed'ral  drefs, 
Confounding  terms  of  life  with  means  of  grace. 
Oh  dang'rous  is  th'  attempt  proud  flefh  to  pleaie, 
Or  fend  a  iinner  to  the  law  for  eafe ; 
Who  rather  needs  to  feel  its  piercing  dart, 
^Till  dreadful  pangs  invade  his  trembling  heart  3 
And  thither  mould  be  only  fent  for  flames 
Of  fire  to  burn  his  rotten  hopes  and  claims ; 
That  thus  difarm'd,  he  gladly  may  embrace, 
And  grafp  with  eager nefs  the  news  of  grace, 

SEC  T,     V.   , 

The  go/pel  of  divine  grace  the  only  means  of  convert* 
ing  finnersy  and  Jhould  be  preached  therefore  raofi 
clearly,  fully,  a?id freely. 

''IT*  Hey  ought,  who  royal  grace's  heralds  be, 
J      To  trumpet  loud  falvation  full  and  free ; 

Nor  fafely  can,  to  humour  mortal  pride, 

In  filence  evangelic  myfl'ries  hide. 

What  Heav'n  is  pleas'd  to  give,  dare  we  refufe, 

Or  under  ground  conceal,  left  men  abufe  ? 

Supprefs  the  gofpel-flow'r,  upon  pretence 

That  fome  vile  fpiders  may  facie  poifoa  thence ) 

Ci»-iji 
*  Gal,  ui,  jo\ 


4o  VjOSPEL      sonnets. 

Chrijl  is  a  Humbling- block ;  mall  we  neglect 

To  preach  him,  left  the  blind  mould  break  their  neck'r 

That  high  lie's  for  the  fall  of  many  fet 

As  well  as  for  the  rife,  mull  prove  no  letT 

No  grain  of  precious  truth  muft  be  fuppreft, 

Though  reprobates  mould  to  their  ruin  wreft. 

Shall  Heav'n's  corrufcant  lamp  be  dimm'd,  that  p?ys 

Its  daily  tribute  down  in  golden  rays? 

Becaufe  fome,  blinded  with  the  blazing  gleams, 

Share  not  the  pleafure  of  the  lightning  beams. 

Let  thofe  be  hardned,  petrify 'd  and  harm'd, 

The  reii  are  mollify'd  and  kindly  warm'd. 

A  various  favour  f,  flowers  in  grace's  field, 

Of  life  to  fome,  of  death  to  others  yield. 

Muft  then  the  rofe  be  vaiPd,  the  lily  hid, 

The  fragrant  favour  ftified?  God  forbid. 

The  revelation  of  the  gofpel-flovv'r, 
Is  ftili  the  organ  fam'd  of  iaving  pow'r; 
Moftjuftiy  then  are  legal  minds  condemn'd, 
That  of  the  glorious  gofpel  are  afham'd : 
For  this  the  divine  arm,  and  only  this, 
The  po-iv'r  of  God  unto  fahj  at  ion  is  £. 
For  therein  is  reveal'd,  to  fcreen  from  wrath. 
The  righteoufnejs  of  God  from  faith  to  faith. 
The  happy  change  in  guilty  finners  cafe  ~~* 
They  owe  to  free  difplays  of  fov'reign  grace; 
Whofe  joyful  tidings  of  amazing  love, 
The  r.iiniji  ration  of  the  Spirit  pro-ve. 
The  glorious  vent  the  gofpel  news  exprefs, 
Of  God's  free  grace,   thro'  Chrift's  full  righteoufnefs, 
Is  Heav'n's  gay  chariot  where  the  Spirit  bides, 
And  in  his  conqu'ring  pow'r  triumphant  rides. 
The  gofpel-field  is  ftill  the  Spirit's  foil, 
The  golden  pipe  that  bears  the  holy  oil ; 
The  orb  wheie  he  outfhines  the  radiant  fun, 
The  iilver  channel  where  his  graces  run. 
Within  the  gofpel-banks  his  flowing  tide 
Of  lightning,  quickning  motions  fweetly  glide. 

~  Removed 

f  2  Cor.  ii.  1 6.     J  Rom,  i.  16.  17c 


Fart  I.  The  Believer's  Efpoufals.  4^ 

Received  ye  the  Spirit,  fcripture  faith  jj, 
By  legal  -ivorks.   or  by  the  ivord  of  faith? 
If  by  the  gofpel  only,  then  let  none 
Dare  to  be  wifer  than  the  wifeft  one. 

We  mull,  who  freely  get,  as  freely  give 
The  vital  word  that  makes  the  dead  to  live. 
For  ev'n  to  tinners  dead  within  our  reach 
We  in  his  living  name  may  moil  fuccefsful  preach. 

The  Spirit  and  the  fcripture  both  agree 
Jointly  (fays  Chrift)  to  tefifyofme. 
The  preacher  then  will  from  his  text  decline, 
That  fcorns  to  harmonize  with  this  de£gn. 
Prefs  moral  duties  to  the  lair,  degree ; 
Why  not  ?  but  mind,  left  we  fuccefslefs  be, 
No  light,  no  hope,  no  ftrength  for  duties  faring, 
Where  Jefus  is  not  Prophet,  Prieft,  and  King. 
No  light  to  fee  the  way  unlefs  he  teach, 
No  joyful  hope  fave  in  his  blood  we  reach, 
No  ftrength  unlefs  his  royal  arm  he  ftretch. 
Then  from  our  leading  fcope  hew  grofs  we  fall, 
If,  like  his  name,  in  ev'ry  gofpel-call,  C 

We  make  not  him  the  Firjl,  the  Laf,  the  All!        } 
Our  office  is  to  bear  the  radiant  torch 

Of  gofpel-light  into  the  darkned  porch 

Of  human  underftandings,  and  difplay 
The  joyful  dawn  of  everlafting  day  ; 

To  draw  the  golden  chariot  of  free  grace, 

The  darkned  mades  with  mining  rays  to  chafe, 

"Till  Heav'n's  bright  lamp  on  circling  wheels  be  hurl'd, 

With  fparkling  grandeur  round  the  dufky  world ; 

And.  thus  to  bring,  in  dying  mortals  iight, 

New  life  and  immortality  to  light. 

We're  charg'd  to  preach  the  gofpel,  unconfin'd, 

To  enj'ry  creature  of  the  human  kind; 

To  call,  with  tenders  of  falvation  free, 

All  corners  of  the  earth  to  come  and  fee: 

And  ev'ry  finner  moft  excufelefs  make, 

By  urging  rich  and  pe*ar  to  corns  and  iakt, 

E  W, 

H  Gal.  iii.  2. 


5?  Gospel     S-ohkitj, 

Ho,  ev'ry  one  that  thirfts  \,  is  grace's  call 
Direct  to  needy  finners  great  arid  fmall ; 
Not  meaning  thofe  alone,  whofe  holy  thirft 
Denominates  their  fouls  already  bleft. 
If  only  thofe  were  call'd,  then  none  but  faints; 
Nor  would  the  gofpel  fuit  the  finner's  wants. 
But  here  the  call  does  iignally  import 
Sinners  and  thirfty  fouls  of  ev'ry  fort; 
And  mainly  to  their  door  the  meilage  brings, 
Who  yet  are  thirfling  after  empty  things ; 
Who  fpend  their  means  no  living  bread  f  buy, 
And  pains  for  that  <vjhich  cannot  fatisfy. 
Such  thirfty  finners  here  invited  are, 
Who  vainly  fpend  their  money,  thought,  and  cart, 
On  pafling  fhades,  vile  lufts,  and  trafti  fo  bafe 
As  yield  immortal  fouls  no  true  folace. 
The  call  directs  them,  as  they  would  be  bleft, 
To  chufe  a  purer  object  of  their  thirft. 
All  are  invited  by  the  joyful  found 
To  drink  who  need,  as  does  the  parched  ground, 
Whofe  wide-mouth'd  clefts  fpeak  to  the  brafen  iky 
Its  paffive  thirft,  without  an  active  cry. 

The  gofpel-preacher  then  with  holy  fki.ll 
Muft  offer  Chrift  to  whofoever  will, 
To  finners  of  all  forts  that  can  be  nam'd ; 
The  blind,  the  lame,  the  poor,  the  halt,  the  maim'd. 
Not  daring  to  reftrict  th'  extenfive  call, 
But  op'ning  wide  the  net  to  catch  'em  all. 
No  foul  muft  be  excluded  that  will  come, 
Nor  right  of  accefs  be  conhVd  to  fome. 
Tho'  none  will  come  till  confcious  of  their  want; 
Yet  right  to  come  they  have  by  fov'reign  grant ; 
Such  right  to  Chrift,  his  promife,  and  his  grace, 
That  all  are  damn'd  who  hear  and  don't  embrace* 
So  freely  is  th'  unbounded  call  difpens'd, 
We  therein  find  ev'n  finners  unconvinc'd ; 
Who  know  not  they  are  naked,  blind,  and  poor  j(, 
CounfeVd  to  buy  or  beg  at  Jefus  door, 
And  take  the  glorious  robe,  eyt-fal-ve,  and  golden  ft  ore 

r    ThU 
X  //  Iv.  i.  2.     |i  Rw.  iii.  17.  18. 


Part.  I.  The   Believer's   Efpoufals.  "   51 

This  prize  they  are  oblig'd  by  faith  to  win, 
Fife  unbelief  would  never  be  their  fin. 
Yea,  gofpel-offers  but  a  fham  we  make, 
If  ev'ry  finner  has  not  right  to  take. 

Be  goipel-heralds  fortify'd  from  this, 
To  trumpet  grace,  howe'er  the  ferpent  hifs.  ^ 
Did  hell's  malicious  mouth  in  dreadful  fhape 
'Gainft  innocence  itfelf  malignant  gape  ? 
Then  facred  truth's  devoted  vouchers  may 
For  dire  reproach  their  meafures  conftant  lay. 
With  cruel  calumny  of  old  commenc'd, 
This  fed  nvill  enfry  nvhere  be  /poke  agednft ; 
While  to  and  fro  he  runs  the  earth  acrofs, 
Whofe  name  is  adelphon   kategoros  f , 
In  fpite  of  hell  be  then  our  conftant  ilrife 
To  win  the  glorious  Lamb  a  virgin-wife. 


CHAP,     VI. 

An  exhortation  to  all  that  are  outofCnaiST^ 
in  order  to  their  doling  the  match  with 
him:  Containing  alfo  motives  and  direc- 
tions. 


REader,  into  thine  hands  thefe  lines  are  giv'n, 
But  not  without  the  providence  of  Heav'n; 
Or  to  advance  thy  blifs,  if  thou  art  wife, 
Or  aggravate  thy  wo,  if  thou  defpife. 
For  thee,  for  thee,  perhaps  the  omnifcient  ken 
Has  form'd  the  counfel  here,  and  let  the  pen. 
The  writer  then  does  thy  attention  plead, 
In  his  great  name  that  gave  thee  eyes  to  read. 


E  2  SECT. 

f  Or,  The  accufer  of  the  brethren 


S2  Gospel     Sonnet*.. 

SECT.     I. 

Cor.-jiSiion  offered  to  finners,  especially  fuch  as  are 
wedded  ftrittly  to  the  Ja-w,  or  Jelf-righteous>  that 
they  may  fee  their  need  of  Christ's  righteoufnefs. 

IF  never  yet  thou  didft  fair  Jefus  wed, 
Nor  yield  thy  heart  to  be  his  marriage-bed ; 
But  hitherto  art  wedded  to  the  law, 
Which  never  could  thy  chain'd  affections  draw 
From  brutifh  lulls  and  fordid  lovers  charms ; 
Lo  !  thou  art  yet  in  Satan's  folded  arms. 
Hell's  pow'rinvifible  thy  foul  retains 
His  captive  flave,  lock'd  up  in  mafTy  chains. 

0  finnerthen,  as  thou  regard'ft  thy  life,  ~) 
Seek,  feek  with  ardent  care  and  earneft  ftrife  ^ 
To  be  the  glorious  Lamb's  betrothed  wife.  J 
For  bafe  corrivals  never  let  him  lofe 

Thy  heart,  his  bed  of  conjugal,  repofb. 
Wed  Chriji  alone,  and  with  fevere  remorfe     J. 
From  other  mates  purfue  a  clean  divorce  j        > 
For  they  thy  ruin  feek  by  fraud  or  force.  b 

As  lurking  ferpents  in  the  mady  bow'rs 
Conceal  their  malice  under  fpreading  flow'rs  y. 
So  thy  deceitful  lulls  with  cruel  fpite 
Hide  ghailly  danger  under  gay  delight. 
Art  thou  a  legal  zealot,  foft  or  rude, 
Renounce  thy  nat'ral  and  acquired  good. 
As  bafe  deceitful  lufts  may  work  thy  final*,, 
So  may  deceitful  frames  upon  thy  heart. 
Seeming  good  motions  may  in  fome  be  found,.. 
Much  joy  iri  hearing,  like  the  ftony  ground; 
Much  fcrrow  too  inpraying,  as  appears 
Jn  E/au's  careful  fuit  with  rueful  tears. 
Touching  the  lanv*  they  biamelefs  may  appear ', 
From  fpurious  views  moft  fpecious  viitues  bear.. 
Nor  merely  be  devout  in  mens  elleem, 
But  prove  to  be  fmcerely  what  they  feem, 

1  fiends  to  the  holy  law  in  heart  and  life, 
Suers  of heav'n  with,  utmoft  legal  ftrife ; 


?ar.t.  I.  The  Believer's    Efpou/ah.  53 

Yet  ftiil  with  innate  pride  fo  rankly  fpidd, 
Converted  but  to  duties,  not  to  Chriji-^ 
That  Publicans  and  harlots  heanfn  obtain 
Before  a  crew  fo  righteous  and  fo  vain. 
Sooner  will  thofe  ihake  off  their  vicious  drefs, 
Than  thefe  blind  zealots  will  their  righteoufnefs, 
Who  judge  they  have  (which  fortifies  their  pride) 
The  law  of  Goditfelf  upon  their  fide. 
Old  nature,  new-brufh'd  up  with  legal  pains,  • 
Such  ftricl:  attachment  to  the  law  retains, 
No  means,  no  motives  can  to  J  ejus  draw 
Vain  fouls,  fo  doubly  wedded  to  the  law. 

But  wouldil  the  glorious  Prince  in  marriage  have;,  ■*> 
Know  that  thy  nat'ral  huiband  cannot  fave. 
Thy  belt  effays  to  pay  the  legal  rent 
Can  never  irv  the  leaft  the  law  content,  - 
Didft  thou  in  pray'rs  employ  the  morning--!ight, 
In  tears  and  grones  the  watches  of  the  night,  - 
Pafs  thy  whfc^    life  in  elofe  devotion  o'er ; 
;Tis  nothing  to  the  law  Hill  craving  more. 
There's  no  proportion  'twix'c  its  high  commands']  i 
And  puny  works  from  thy  polluted  hands ;  )>  ■ 

Perfection  is  the  leafl  that  it  demands.  J  » 

Wouldjl  enter  into  life,  then  keep  the  law, 
But  keep  it  perfectly  without  a  flaw. 
It  wo'nt  have  lefs,  nor  will  abate  at  laib 
A  drop  of  vengeance  for  the  fin  that's  palL  - 
Tell,  iinful  mortal,  is  thy  flock  fo  large- 
As  duly  can  defray  this  double  charge  ?  - 
"  Why  thefe  are. mere  impofiibles."  (fayil  thou.)    • 
Yea,  truly  fo  they  are ;  and  therefore  now, 
That  down  thy  legal  confidence  may  fall, 
The  law's  black  doom  home  to  thy  bofom  call. 
"  Lo!  I  (the  divine  law)  demand  no  lefs 
"  Than  perfect,  everlafting  righteoufnefs ; 
«  But  thou  haft  faii'd,  andloit  thy  ftrength  to  BOY  - 
"  Therefore  I  doom  thee  to  eternal  wo; 
"  In  prifon  clofe  to  be  fhut  up  for  ay, 
"  Ere  X  be  babied  with  thy  partial  pay, 

E  3  .  «  Thoti 


54:  toSML       S"ONN«-T3. 

"  Thou  always  did  ft  and  doll  my  precepts  break,  . 

"  I  therefore  curie  thee  to  the  burning  lake. 

*'  In  God  the  great  lawgiver's  glorious  name, „ 

*  I  judge  thy  foul  to  everlafting  fhame." 

Noflejh  can  by  the  law  bejvfiified, 

Yet  darefl  thou  thy  legal*  duties  plead  ? 

As  P«Wappeal'd  to  Cefar,  wilt  thou  (o\ 

Unto  the  law  ?  then  to  it  fhalt  thou  go,   )- 

And  find  it  doom  thee  to  eternal  wo.       J 

What,  would  ye  have  us  plung'd  in  deep  defbair?  ? 
Amen,  yea,  God  himfelf  would  have  you  there. 
His  will  it  is  that  you  defpair  of  life, 
And  fafety  by  the  law  or  legal  ftrife ; 
That  cleanly  thence  divorc'd  at  any  rate 
His  faireft  Son  may  have  a  faithful  mate. 
'Till  this  law-fenteiice  pafs  within  your  breaft, 
You'll  never  wed  the  lavy-difcharging  Prieft, 
You  prife  not  heav'n  till  he  through  hell  you  draWj 
Nor  love  the  goipel  till  you  know  the  law. 

Know  then,  the  divine  law  moil  perfect  cares 
For  none  of  thy  imperfecl  legal  wares ; 
Dooms  thee  to  vengeance  for  thy  finful  fcate, 
As  well  as  finful  aclions  fmall  or  great. 
If  any  fin  can  be  accounted  fmall, 
To  hell  it  dooms  thy  foul  for  one  and  all. 
For  fins  cf  nature,  practice,  heart,  and  way 
Damnation-rent  it  fummons  thee  to  pay.  v 

Yea,  not  for  fin  alone  which  is  thy  ihame, 
But  forthy  boafled  fervice  too,  fo  lame, 
The  law  adjudges  thee  and  hell  to  meet, 
Becaufe  thy  rigliteoufnefs  is  uncompleat. 
As  tow'ring  flames  burn  up  the  wither'd  fteg5; 
So  will  the  fiefy  law  thy  filthy  rags.  . 

SECT.     II.  . 
THrcahn   given  with  reference  to   the   right  life  cf  ih& 
means,  that  we   r£Jl  net-on  thsfe  infitad  o/*  Christ 
tht  glorious  Hi ufi  and,  in  whom  our  help  lies. 

ADAM,  where  art  thou  ?  Soul,  where  art  thou  now  I 
Oh,  art  thou  faying,  Sir,  what  Jh  all  I  do? 


Fart  L  The  Believers  Efpouftals,  55 

T  dare  not  ufe  that  proud  felf-raifing  llrain^  . 

Go  help  your/elf,  and  Gcd  will  help  you  then. 

Nay,  rather  know,  O  IfraH,  that  thou  haft 

Deftroy'dtbyfe'lf,  andcanft  not  in  the  leaft 

From  fin  nor- wrath  thyfelf  the  captive  free,  . 

Thy  help  (fays  Jefus)  only  lies  in  me. 

HeavVs  oracles  direct  to  him  alone,  , 

Full  help  is  laid  upon  this  mighty  One. 

In  him,  in  him  compleat  falvation  dwells  5  • 

He's  God  the  helper,  and  there  is  none  elfe.  . 

Fig-leaves  won't  hide  thee,  from- the  nery  fhow'r*, '.-. 

'Tis  he  alone  that  faves  by  price  and  pow'r. 

Muftwe  do  nothing  then  (will  mockers  fay) 
But  reft  in  floth  till  Keav'n  the  help  convey  ? 

Pray,  Hop  a  little,  iinner,  don't  abufe 
God's  awful  word,  that  charges  thee  to  ufe. 
Means,  ordinances,  which  he's  pleas'd  to  place,  , 
As  precious  channels  of  his  pow'rful  grace. 
Refrlefs  improve  all  thefe,  until  from  Heav'n  . 
The  whole  falvation  needful  thus  be  giv'n. 
Wait  in  this  path,  according  to  his  call,  . 
On  him  whofe  power  alone  effecleth  all. 
Wouldfl  thou  him  wed,  in  duties  wait  I  fay,  , 
Bat  marry  not  thy  duties  by  the  way. 
Thou'lt  wofully  come  ihort  of  faving  grace?  . 
Ji  duties  only  be  thy  reiling-place. 
Nay,  go  a  little  further  through  them  all, 
To  him  whofe  office  is  to  ihve  from  thrall.  . 
Thus  in  a  gofpel-manner  hopeful  wait, 
Striving  to  enter  by  the  narrow  gate ; 
So  ftrait  and  narrow,  that  it  won't  admit 
The  bunch  upon  thy  back  to  enter  it. 
Not  only  bulky  lulls  may  ceafe  to  prefs, 
But  ev'n  the  bunch  of  boafted  righteoufnefs„ 

Many,  as  in  the  facred  page  we  fee, 
Shall ftri<ve  to  e?2ter,  but  unable  be: 
Became,  miftaking  this  new  way  of  life. 
They  pufh  a  legal,  not  a  gofpel-ftrife : 
As  if  their  duties  did  Jehovah  bind, 
Bficaufe  'tis  written,  Seek  and  ye  ft:  all  find. 

Perverted 


$&  Gospel     Sonnet 

Perverted  fcripture  does  their  error  fence, 
They  read  the  letter,  but  neglect  the  fenfe. 
While  to  the  word  no  gofpel-glofs  they  give, 
Their  Jeek  andfnd's  the  fame  with  do  and  live. 
Hence  would  they  a  connection  native  place 
Between  their  moral  pains  and  faving  grace : 
Their  nat'ral  poor  effays  they  judge  won't  mifs 
Li  juftice  to  infer  eternal  blifs. 

Thus  commentaries  on  the  word  they  make,  . 
Which  to  their  ruin  are  a  grand  miftake  : 
For,  through  the  legal  bias  in  their  breaft, 
They  fcripture  to  their  own  deilruclion  wreft. 
Why,  if  nve  feek nve get,  they  gather  hence; 
Which  is  not  truth,  fave  in  the  fcripture-fenfe. 
There  Jefus  deals  with  friends,  and  elfewhere  faith, 
Thefe  feekers  only  fpeed  that  afe  in  faith. 
The  prayer  of  the  wicked  is  abhorred, 
As  an  abomination  to  the  Lord. 
rY\i€\xfuits  are  fin,  but  their  neglecls  no  lefs, 
Which  can't'their  guilt  diminilh,  but  increafe. 
They  ought,  like  beggars,  lie  in  grace's  way  ; 
Hence  Peter  taught  theforcerer  to  pray: 
For  tho'  mere  nat'ral  mens  addrefs  or  pray'rs 
Can  no  acceptance  gain  as  works  of  theirs, 
Nor  have,  as  their  performance,  any  fway;. 
Yet  as  a  divine  ordinance  they  may. 
But  fpotlefs  truth  has  bound  itfelf  to  grant 
Thefuit  of  none  but  the  believing  faint. 
In  Jefus  perfons  once  accepted,  do 
Acceptance  find  in  him  for  duties  too. 
For  he,  whofe  Son  they  do  in  marriage  take,  - 
Is  bound  to  hear  them  for  their  Huiband's  fake.  ■ 

But  let  p.q  ChrijiLfs -foul  at  pray'r  appear, 
As  if  Jehovah  were  obliged  to  hear: 
But  ufe  the  means,  becaufe  a  fov'reign  God 
May  come  with  alms  in  this  his  wonted  road. 
He  wills  thee  to  frequent  kind  wifdom's  gate, 
To  read,  hear,  meditate,  to  pray  and  wait : 
Thy  fpirit  then  be  on  thefe  duties  bent, 
As  gospel-means,  but  not  as  legal  rent. 

From 


Part  I.  The    Believer's   Efpoufals.  57 

From  thefe  don't  thy  falvation  hope  nor  claim, 
Bat  from  Jehovah  in  the  ufe  of  them. 
The  beggar's  fpirit  never  was  fo  dull, 
While  waiting  at  the  gate  call'd  Beautiful, 
To  hope  for  fuccour  from  the  temple-gate5 
At  which  he  daily  didfo  careful  wait; 
But  from  the  rich  and  charitable  fort, 
Who  to  the  temple  daily  made  refort. 
Means,  ordinances,  are  the  comely  gate, 
At  which  kind  Heav'n  has  bid  us  conftant  wait : 
Not  that  from  thefe  we  have  our  alms,  but  from 
The  lib'ral  God,  who  there  is  wont  to  come, 
If  either  we  thefe  means  mail  dare  neglecl, 
Or  yet  from  thefe  th'  enriching  blifs  expecl> 
We  from  the  glory  of  the  King  defalk, 
Who  in  the  galleries  is  wont  to  walk  ; 
We  move  not  regular  in  duties  road, 
Butbafe,.  invert  them  to  an  idol-god. 

Seek  then,  if  gofpel-means  you  would  efiay^. 
Through  grace  to  ufe  them  in  a  gofpel-way : 
Not  deeming  that  your  duties  are  the  price 
Of  divine 'favour,  or  of  paradife ; 
Nor  that  your  beft  efforts  employ'd  in  thefe 
Are  fit  exploits  your  awful  Judge  to  pleafe*. 
Why,  thus  you  bafely  idolize  your  tram, 
And  make  it  with  the  blood  of  J  ejus  clafh. 
You'd  buy  the  bleffing  with  your  vile  refufe, 
And  fo  his  precious  righteoufnefs  abufe. 
What !  buy  his  gifts  with  filthy  lumber  ?  nay,  "| 
Whoever  offers  this,  muft  hear  him  fay,  y 

Thy  money  perijh  with  thy  foul  for  ay.  J 

Duties  are  means,  which  to  the  marriage-bed 
Should  chaftly  lead  us  like  a  chamber  maid ; 
But  if  with  her  inftead  of  Chrift  we  match, 
We  not  our  fafety.,  but  our  ruin  hatch. 
To  Cefar  what  is  Cefar's  mould  be  giv'n, 
But  Cefar  muft  not  have  what's  due  to  Heav'n :  - 
So  duties  mould  have  duty's  room,  'tis  true, 
But  nothing  of  the  glorious  Huiband's  due. 

While 


58  Gospel     San-nits. 

While  means  the  debt  of  clofe  attendance  cravf* 
Our  whole  dependence  God  alone  muft  have. 
If  duties,  tears,  our  confcience  pacify, 
They  with  the  blood  of  Chriji  prefume  to  vie. 
Means  are  his  vafiais ;  Ihall  we  without  grudge 
Difcard  the  matter,  and  elpoufe  the  drudge  ? 
The  hypocrite,  the  legalift  does  fin,. 
To  live  on  duties,  not  on  Chriji  therein.. 
He  only  feeds  on  empty  dimes,  plates, 
Who  dotes  on  means,  but  at  the  manna  frets.. 
Let  never  means  content  thy  foul  at  all, 
Without  the  Huiband,  who  is  all  in  all. 
Cry  daily  for  the  happy  marriage-hour ; 
To  thee  belongs  the  mean,  to  him  the  pow'r. 

SECT.    in. 

jl  cat!  to   believe  in   Jesus   Christ  nuith  fome  hint 
at  the  acl  and  objed  of  faith* 

pRiend,  is  the  queftion  on  thy  heart  engrav'd* 
\j     What  Jhall  I  do  to  be  for  ever  fav'd? 

Lo  !  here's  a  living  rock  to  build  upen; 

Believe  in  J  ejus  \  and  on  him  alone 

For  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength  thine  anchor  drop, 

Renouncing  all  thy  former  legal  hope. 

**  Believe  (fay  you)  I  can  no  more  believe, 

"  Than  keeprfthe  law  of  works,  the  DO  and  LIVE." 

True,  and  it  were  thy  mercy,  didir,  thou  fee 

Thine  utter  want  of  all  ability. 

New  cov'nant  graces  he  alone  can  grant,. 

Whom  God  has  giv^n  to  be  the  Covenant  ; 

E'en  fefus,  whom  the  facred  letters  call. 

Faith's  obje&,  author,  finifher,  and  all; 

In  him  alone,  not  in  thy  ad  of  faith, 

Thy  foul. believing  full  falvation  hath. 

In  this  new  cov'nant  judge  not  faith  to  hold 

The  room  of  perfect  doing  in  the  old. 

Faith  is  not  giv'n  to  be  the  fed'ral  price 

Of  other  bleinngs,  or  of  paradife : 

Bat 


Part  £  the  Believtr's  Efpoufsls.     -  5$ 

But  Heav'n,  by  giving  this,  ftrikes  out  a  door  '    • 

At  which  is  earry'd  in  Hill  more  and  more* 

No  finner  muft  upon  his  faith  lay  ftrefs, 

As  if  it  were  a  perfect  righteoufnefs. 

God  ne'er  affign'd  unto  it  fuch  a  place, 

'Tis  but  at  beft  a  bankrupt  begging  grace. 

Its  object  makes  its  fame  to  fly  abroad, 

So  clofe  it  grips  the  righteoufnefs  of  God ; 

Which  righteoufnefs  receiv'd,  is  (without  ftrife) 

The  true  condition  of  eternal  life. 

But  fldll  (fay  you)  pow'r  to  believe  I  mifs. 
You  may;  but  know  you  what  believing  is-? 
Faith  lies  not  in  your  building  up  a  tow'r 
Of  fome  great  action  by  your  proper  pow'r. 
For  Heav'n  well  knows,  that  by  the  killing  fall, 
No  power,  no  will  remains  in  man  at  all 
For  acts  divinely  good ;  'till  fov'reign  grace 
By  pow'rful  drawing  virtue  turn  the  chafe. 
Hence  none  believe  in  Jefus,  as  they  ought, 
'Till  once  they  firft  ^believe  they  can  do  nought 
Nor  are  fujjicieni  e'en  to  form  a  thought. 
They're  confcious,  in  the  right  believing  hour, 
Of  human  weaknefs,  and  of  divine  pow'f. 
Faith  acts  not  in  the  fenfe  of  itrength  and  might, 
But  in  the  fenfe  of  wtaknefs  acts  outright. 
It  is  (no  bcafting  arm  of  pow'r  or  length) 
But  <vjeaknefs  afting  on  almighty  fir  ength. 
It  is  the  pow'rlefs,  helpleis  fmner's  flight 
Into  the  open  arms  of  faving  might: 
'Tis  an  employing  Jefus  to  do  all 
That  can  within  falvation's  compafs  fallj 
To  be  the  agent  kind  in  ev'ry  thing 
Belonging  to  a  prophet,  prieft,  and  king  $ 
To  teach,  to  pardon,  fanctify,  and  fave, 
And  nothing  to  the  creature's  pow'r  to  leave, 
Faith  makes  us  joyfully  content  that  he, 
Our  Head,  our  Hulband,  and  our  All  ihould  be, 
Our  nghteoufnefs  and  ftrength,  our  ftock  and  itore, 
Our  fund  for  fo«d  and  raiment,  grace  and  glore. 

It 


}. 


6:>  Gospel     Sonnbts. 

It  makes  the  creature  down  to  nothing  fall, 
Content  that  Chriji  alone  be  all  in  all. 

The  plan  of  grace  is  faith's  delightful  view, 
With  which  it  clofes  both  as  good  and  true. 
Unto  the  truth  the  mind's  ajfent  is  full, 
Unto  the^fWa   free  conjenting  vcill. 
The  holy  Spirit  here,  the  agent  chief, 
Creates  this  faith,  and  dailies  unbelief.. 
That  very  God  who  calls  us  to  believe, 
The  very  faith  he  feeks,  mull  alfo  give. 
Why  calls  he  then?  (fay  you.)     Pray,  man,  be  wite; 
Why  did  he  call  dead  Lazarus  to  rife  ? 
Becaufe  the  orders  in  their  bofom  bear 
Almighty  pow'r  to  make  the  carcafe  hear. 

But  Heav'n  may  not  this  mighty  pow'r  difplay. 
Moll  true ;  yet  frill  thou  art  obtig'd  t'  obey, 
But  God  is  not  at  all  oblig'd  to  ftretch 
Kis  laving  arm  to  fuch  a  finful  wretch. 
All  who  within  falvation-rolls  have  place 
Are  fav'd  by  a  prerogative  of  grace  : 
But  velfels  all  that  mall  with  wrath  be  cramm'd    - 
Are  by  an  a&  of  holy  juftice  damn'd. 
Take  then,  dear  foul,  as  from  a  friendly  heart, 
The  counfel  which  the  following  lines  impart. 

SECT.     IV. 

Jin  advice  to  Jlnners  to  apply  to  the  fovereign  mercy 
of  God,  as  it  is  dif covered  through  Christ,  to  the 
highefl  honour  of  juftice  and  other  divine  attri- 
butes, in  order  to  further  their  faith  in  him  unt* 
falvaiion, 

GO,  friend,  and  at  Jehovah's  footflool  bow ; 
Thou  know'ft  not  what  a  fov'reign  God  may  do, 
Confefs,  if  he  commiferate  thy  cafe, 
'Twill  be  an  aft  of  pow'rful  fov'reign  grace. 
Sequeftrate  carefully  fome  folemn  hours, ' 
To  fue  thy  grand  concern  in  fecret  bow'rs. 

Thea 


Fart  I.  The  Believer's  Efpcufals.  6l 

Then  in  th'  enfuing  ftrain  to  God  impart 

And  pour  into  his  bofom  all  thy  heart. 

m  O  glorious,  gracious,  pow'rful,  fov'reignTord, 

*<  Thy  help  unto  a  finf  ul  worm  afford ; 

"  Who  from  my  wretched  birth  to  this  fad  hour, 

fj  Have  ftill  been  deftitute  of  will  and  pow'r 

tf  To  clofe  with  glorious  Chrift-,  yea,  filFd  with  fpite 

"  At  thy  fair  darling,  and  thy  faints  delight, 

"  Refilling  all  his  grace  with  all  my  might. 

"  Come,  Lord,  and  fap  my  enmity's  ftrong  tow'r ; 

iC  O  hafle  the  marriage-day,  the  day  of  pow'r; 

"  That  iweetly, "  by  refiftlefs  grace  inclin'd, 

tl  My  once  reluctant  be  a  willing  mind. 

"  Tlnou  fpak'ft  to  being  ev'ry  thing  we  fee, 

"  When  thy  almighty  will  faid,  Let  it  be, 

<c  Nothings  to  being  in  a  moment  pafs : 

tc  Let  there  be  light,  ihoufaidft,  and  fo  it  <vjas. 

"  A  pow'rful  word  like  this,  a  mighty  call, 

4'  Muft  fay,  Let  there  be  faith,  and  then  it  mall. 

*;  Thou  feek'ft  my  faith  and  flight  from  iin  and  guilt; 

^  Give  what  thou  feek'ft,  Lord,  then  feek  what  thoa 

wilt. 
"  What  good  can  iffue  from  a  root  fo  ill  ? 
"  This  heart  of  mine's  a  wicked  lump  of  hell; 
«*  'Twill  all  thy  common  motions  ftill  reftft, 
"  Unlefs  with  fpecial  drawing  virtue  bleft. 
'*  Thou  calls,  but  with  the  call  thy  pow'r  convey; 
"  Command  me  to  believe,  and  I'll  obey, 
"  Nor  any  more  thy  gracious  call  gainfay. 
"  Command,  O  Lord,  effectually  command, 
*'  And  grant  I  be  not  able  to  withftand ; 
"  Then  pow'rlefs  I  will  ftretch  the  wither'd  hand. 

*«   I  to  thy  favour  can  pretend  no  claim, 
ft  But  what  is  bcrrow'd  from  thy  glorious  name; 
P  Which  tho'  moftjuftly  thou  mayft  glorifie, 
"  In  damning  fuch  a  guilty  wretch  as  me, 
*'  A  faggot  fitted  for  the  burning  fire 
"  Of  thine  incenfed  everlafting  ire : 
"  Yet,  Lord,  fince,  now  I -hear  thy  glorious  Son, 
**  In  favour  of  a  race  that  was  undone, 


&2  Gospel     Sokniti, 

"  Did  in  thy  name,  by  thy  authority, 

"  Once  to  the  full  ftern  juftice  fatisfy; 

"  And  paid  more  glorious  tribute  thereunto, 

**  Than  hell  and  all  its  torments  e'er  can  do. 

"  Since  my  falvation  through  his  blood  can  raife    1 

u  A  revenue  to  juftice'  higheft  praife,  C 

"  Higher  than  rents,  which  hell  for  ever  pays :      J 

i(  Thefe  to  tremendous  juitice  never  bring 

"  Afatisfa£tion~equaland  condign. 

"  But  Jefus  our  once  dying  God  performs, 

"  What  never  could  by  ever-dying  worms : 

"  Since  thus  thy  threatning  law  is  honour'd  more 

"  Than  e'er  my  fins  affronted  it  before : 

"  Since  juftice  item  may  greater  glory  won, 

'*  By  juftifying  in  thy  darling  Son, 

"  Than  by  condemning  ev'n  the  rebel  me; 

"  To  this  device  ofwifdom,  lo  !  I  flee. 

"  Let  juftice,  Lord,  according  to  thy  ..will, 

(c  Be  glorify'd  with  glory  great  and  full ; 

"  Not  now  in  hell,  where  juftice  petty  pay, 

*'  Is  but  extorted  parcels  minc'd  for  ay : 

"  But  glorify'd  in  Chrijl,  who  down  has  told 

*'  The  total  fum  at  once  in  liquid  gold. 

"  In  loweft  hell  low  praife  is  only  won, 

€l  But  juftice  has  the  higheft  in  thy  Son, 

"  The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  fet  in  red, 

«'  To  lhew  the  glorious  morning  would  fucceed'i 

*'  In  him  then  fave  thou  me  from  fin  and  fhame, 

**  And  to  the  higheft  glorify  thy  name. 

"  Since  this  bright  fcene  thy  glories  all  exprefs, 
"  And  grace  as  emprefs  reigns  thro*  righteoufnefs ; 
**  Since  mercy  fair  runs  in  a  crimfon  flood, 
•*  And  vents  thro'juftice-fatisfying  blood: 
€t  Not  only  then  for  mercy's  fake  I  fue, 
"  But  for  the  glory  of  thy  juftice  too. 
*'  And  fince  each  letter  of  thy  name  divine     1 
«'  Has  in  fair  Jefus'  face  the  brighteft  fhine,   > 
"  This  glorious  Hufband  be  for  ever  mine.    J 

*'  On  this  ftrong  argument  fo  fweet,  fo  bleft, 
<*  With  thy  allowance,  Lord,  I  mull  injift. 

"  Great 


Part  I.  The  Believer' s  Efpouj ah.  63 

"  Great  God,  ilnce  thou  allow'ft  unworthy  me 
"  To  make  thy,  glorious  name  my  humble  plea  ; 
"  No  glory  worthy  of  it  wilt  thou  gain 
«'  By  calling  me  into  the  burning  main. 
•*  My  feeble  back  can  never  fuit  the  load, 
**  That  fpeaks  thy  name  a  fin-revenging  God. 
"  Scarce  would  that  name  feem  a  confumingfire 
r  Upon  a  worm  unworthy  of  thine  ire. 
"  But  fee  the  worthy  Lamb,  thy  chofen  Prieft, 
*'  With  jufticei  burning-glafs  againlt.  his  breaft, 
"•'  Contracting  all  the  beams  of  'venging  wrath, 
"  As  in  their  centre,  'till  he  burnt  to  death. 
"  Vengeance  can  never  be  fo  much  proclaim'd 
"  By  fcatter'd  beams  among  the  millions  damn'd.  ■ 
"  Then  Lord,  in  him  me  to  the  utmoft  fave, 
"  And  thou  malt  glory  to  the  higheil:  have : 
"  Glory  to  nuifdom  that  contriv'd  fo  well ! 
f*  Glory  .to  pbvfr  tnat  bore  and  bury'd  helfif  * 
6  r  Glory  to  holinefs  which  fin  defac'd, 
"  With  fmlefs  fervice  now  divinely  grac'd ! 
fi  Glory  to  juftice9  fvvord  that  flaming  flood, 
"  Now  drunk  to  pleafure  with  atoning  blood!" 
'  *  Glory  to  truth  that  now  in  fcarlet  clad, 
"'  Has  feal'dboth  threats  ahdpromifes  with  red  J 
"  Glory  to  mercy  now  in  purple  ftreams, 
"  So  fweetly  gliding  thro'  the  divine  flames 
"Of  other  once  offended,  now  exalted  names ! 
"  Each  attribute  confpires  with  joint  embrace, 
"  To  mew  its  fparkling  rays  in  Jefus9  face;  £ 

"And  thus  to  deck  the  crown  of  matchlefs  grace.  ^  s 
"  But  to  thy  name  in  hell  ne'er  can  acrue 
"  The  thoufandth  part  of  this  great  revenue. 

"  O  ravifning  contrivance!  light  that  blinds  - 
"  Cherubic  gazers,  andferaphic  minds. 
"  Thy  pry  into  the  deep,  and  love  to -leant  * 
I*  What  yet  mould  vaftly  more  be  my  concern. 
e  Lord,  once  my  hope  mofl  reafonlefs  could  dream 
I  Of  heav'n,  without  regard  to  thy  great  name : 
"  But  here  is  laid,  my  lafting  hope  to -found, 
**  A  highly  rational,  a  divine  grounds 

F-2  '<  'Tis 


^4  Gospil     Sonnets. 

'«  'Tis  reafonable,  I  expeft  thou'lt  take 

"  The  way  thatmoft  will  for  thine  honour  make.  . 

"  Is  this  the  plan  ?  Lord,  let  me  build  my  claim 

"  To  life,  on  this  high  glory  of  thy  name. 

u  Nor  let  my  faithlefs  heart  or  think,  or  fav, 

"  That  all  this  glory  mall  be  thrown  away' 

"  In  my  perdition ;  which  will  never  raife 

*'  To  thy  great  name  fo  vafl  a  rent  of  praife. 

"  O  then  a  rebel  into  favour  take; 

:t  Lord,  fhield  and  fave  m*~for  thy  glory's  fake. 

"  My  endlefs  ruin  is  not  worth  the  coft, 

"  That  fo  much  glory  be  for  ever  loft. 

"  I'll  of  the  greateft  firmer  bear  the  fhame, 

"  To  bring  the  greateft  honour  to  thy  name. 

"  Small  lofs,  tho'  I  mould  perifh  endlefs  days, 

"But  thoufand  pities  grace  mould  lofe  the  praife.  , 

«'-  O  hear,  Jehovah,  eet  the  glory  then, 

»   k~A  f r— *:-^  &v.  Mm***  — 

SECT.    V, 

The    terrible    doom    of  unbelievers,    and    rejetfcrs    of 
Christ,  or  defpijers  of  the  go/pel. 

^|  ^  Hus,  finner,  into  Jrefusi  bofom  flee, 

Then  there  is  hope  in  IfraH  fure  for  thee,.  . 
Slight  not  the  call,  as  running  by  in  rhime, 
Left  thou  repent  for  ay,  if  not  in  time. 
'Tis  molt  unlawful  to  contemn  and  fhun 
All  wholfome  counfels  that  in  metre  run; 
Since  the  prime  fountains  of  the  facred  writ 
Much  heav'nly  truth  in  holy  rhimes  tranfmit.  . 
If  this  don't  pleafe,  yet  hence  it  is  no  crime 
To  verfify  the  word,  and  preach  in  rhime. 
But,  in  whatever  mould  the  doctrine  lies,  T'. 

Some  erring  minds  will  gofpel-truth  defpife         ^y 
Without  remcde,  till.  Heav'n  anoint  their  eyes.  J 
Thefe  lines  pretend    no  conqu'ring  art  nor  fkill, 
But /hew  in  weak  attempts  a  ftrong  good-will, 

tJ 


pAP-T  I.  The  Believer's  Ffpoufals,  65 

To  mortif)r  all  native  legal  pride* 

And  court  the  Lamb  of  God  a  virgin-bride, 

If"  he  thy  conjunct  match  be  never  giv'n, 

Thou'rt  doom'd  to  hell,  as  fure  as  God's  in  heav?nr 

Ifgofpel  grace  and  gocdnefs  don't  thee  draw, 

Thou  art  condemn'd  already  by  the  law*- 

Yea,  hence  damnation  deep  will  doubly  brace, 

If  ftill  thy  heart  contemn  redeeming  grace, 

No  argument  from  fear  or  hope  will  move, 

Or  draw  thy  heart,  if  not  the  bond  of  love  : 

Nor  flowing  joys,  nor  flaming  terrors  chafe 

To  Chriji  the  heav'n,  without  the  gales  of  grac<£,    : 

O  flighter  then  of  grace's  joyful  found, 

Thou'rt  over  To  the  wrathful  ocean  bound.    ■ 

Anon  thou'lt  fink  into  the  gulph  of  woes,    : 

Whene'er  thy  wafting  hours  are  at  a  clofe  5 

Thy  falfe  old  legal  hope  will  then  be  loft, 

And  with  thy  wretched  foul  give  up  the  ghoft.- 

Then  farewel  God  and  Chrif,  and  grace  and  glor£-^ 

Undoae  thou  art,  undone  for  evermore? 

For  ever  finking  underneath  the  load 

And  pre/lure  of  a  fin-revenging  Qo-L 

The  facred  awful  text  aJierts",  To  fall 

Into  his  living  bunds  is  fearful  thrall;    * 

W  zln  no  ?nore  Jacrifice  for fin  remains ■, 

But  ever-living  wrath,  and  lafling  chains : 

Heav'n  ftill  upholding  life  in  dreadful  death, 

Still  throwing  down  hot  thunderbolts  of  wraths    - 

As  full  of  terror,  and  as  manifold, 

As  finite  vefTels  of  his  wrath  can  hold. 

Then,  then  we  may  fupnofe  the  wretch  to  cry,       ") 
"  Oh,  if  this  damning  God  would  let  me  die,  J» 

<i  And  not  torment  me  to  eternity  !  J 

"  Why  from  the  iilent  womb  of  ftupid  earth 
"  Did  Keav'n  awake,  and  puih  me  into  birth  I 
".  Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  gave  me  life; 
iS  Curs'd  be  the  cruel  parents,  man  and  wife,     » 
*'  Means  of  my  being,  inftruments  ofwoe;>    - 
<*  For  now.  I'm  damn'd,  I'm  damn'd,  and  always  &. 

F  %  «  C«rs'4 


X 


$6  ®0   S   ?*   L       S  fc  In    ;, 

«!  Curs'd  be  the  day  that  ever  made  me  hear 

"  The  gofpel -call,  which  brought  falvation  near.  , 

'«  The  endlefs  found  of  flighted  mercy's  bell, 

"  Has  in  mine  ears  the  moil  tormenting  knell. 

((  Of  offer'd  grace  I  vain  repent  the  lofs, 

6i  The  joyful  found  with  horror  recognofce.  . 

"  The  hollow  vault  reverberates  the  found,  \ 

M  This  killing  echo  ftrikes  the  deepeft  wound,      '  ^ 

*'  And  with  too  late  remorfe  does  now  confound.  J  r 

"  Into  the  dungeon  of  deipair  I'm  lock'd, 

"  Th'  once  open  door  of  hope  forever  biock'd  : 

*'  Hopelefs,  J  fink  into  the  dark  abyfs, 

'<•  Banifh'd  for  ever  from  eternal  bliis. 

*'■  In  boiling  \«aves  of  vengeance  mull  I  lie  ? 

*'  O  could  1  curfe  this  dreadful  God,  and  die!  I 

*'  Innnite  years  in  torment  mail  I  fpend, 

"'  And  never,  never,  never  at  an  end  ? 

me  Ah  !  muft  I  live  in  torturing  defpair 

"  As  many  years  as  atoms  in  the  air  ? 

*'  When  thefe  are  fpent,  as  many  thoufands  more 

•*;  As  grains  of  fan d  that  croud  the  ebbing  fnorer 

*e  When  thefe  are  dcr-c,  as-aaany  yet  behind 

•'  As  leaves  of  foreft  ihaken  with  the  wind  T 

••*  WThen  thefe  are  gone,  as  many  to  enfue 

"4  As  ftems  of  grafs  on  hills  and  dales  that  grew  i?  f 

"  When  thefe  run  out,  as  many  on  the  march 

"  As  Harry  lamps  that  gild  the  fpangled  arch  ? 

**  When  thefe  expire,  as  many  millions  more    - 

"  As  moments  in  the  millions  part  before? 

**  When  all  thefe  doleful  years  are  fpent  in  pain, 

**  And  multiply 'd  by  myriads  again, 

*'  Till  numbers  drown  the  thought;  could  I  fuppofe 

*'  That  then  my  wretched  years  were  at  a  clofe/ 

*'  This  would  airord  fome  eafe :  but,-  ah  !  I  ihiyer 

**  To  think  upon  the  dreadful  found,  for  ever. 

«  The  burning  gulph,  where  I  blafpheming  lie, 

"  Is  time  no  more,  bujt vaft  eternity. 

"  The  growing  torment  I  endure  for  fin, 

^  -Thro5  ages  all  is  always  to  begin. 

(t  Hov/ 


Part    I.:..  T£.e   Believer's    Efpoufals* 


A 


How  did  I  but  a  grain  of  pleafure  fow,  , 

To  reap  an  harveft  of  immortal  woe? 

Bound  to  the  bottom  of  the  burning  main, 
ei  Gnawing  my  chains,  Iwifh  for  death  invain.  . 
4i  Jufl  doom  !  fince  I  that  bear  th'  eternal  load 
"  Contemn'd  the  death  of  an  eternal  God. 
"  Oh,  if  the  God  that  curs'd  metothe  lalh,-; 
-  Would  biefs  me  back  to  nothing  with  a  dam  !  :' 
"  But  ho;  sfefs  I  the  juft  avenger  hate, 
"Blafpherne  the  wrathful  God,  and  curfe  my  fate.**.' 

TPb  thefe  this  word  of  terror  I  direct, 
Who  now  the  gnai  f alkali  on  dare  neglect :  : 
To  all  che  Gbrifi -^>yA  ug multitude*  , 
That  trample  on  the  great  Redeemer's  blood  5  ■  ; 
That  fee  no  bea  is  glorious  face,    . 

But  flight  his  offers,  and  refufe  his  grace.    , 
A  meffengcr  of  \  me  I  am. 

But  thoie  that  hate  towed  the  worthy  Lamb* 
For  tho'  the  fmalleil  fu:s,  if  fmall  can  be, 
Will  plunge  the  Cbriilkfs  foul  in  rnifery.- 
Yet,  io,  the  gFeateftihafto  mortals  cleave 
Shan't  damn  the  fouls  in  J  ejus  that  believe;    . 
Eecaufe  they  on  the  very  method  fall 
'That  well  can  make  amends  to  God  for  zlh 
Whereas  proud  fouls  thro'  unbelief  won't  let  i 
Tne  glorious  God  a  reparation  get   . 
|  Of  all  his  honour,  in  his  darling  Son, 
For  all  the  great  dishonours  they  have  done-  -. 
A  faithlefs  foul  the  glorious  God  bereaves    , 
OX  all  the  fatis  faction  that  he  craves  ; 
Hence  under  divine  hotteft  fur)'  lies, 
And  with  a  double  vengeance  juftly  dies.    . 
The  blackefl  part  otTophet  is  their  place, 
Who  flight  the  tenders  of  redeeming  grace,    - 
That  facrilegious  monfler,  unbelief, 
So  hardened  'gainft  remorfe  and  pious  grief}  \. 
Robs  God  of  ail  the  glory  of  his  names. 
Ant  ev'ry  divine  attribute  defames. 
It  loudly  calls  the  truth  of  God  a  lye> 
T/se  God  of  truth  a  Ijar;  horrid  cry  1 

Doubts 


6i  "  Gospel     So  n  h  e  t  s. 

Doubts  and  denies  his  precious  words  of  grace,   - 

Spits  venom  in  the  royal  fuitor's  face. 

This  monfter  cannot  ceafe  all  fin  to  hatch, 

Becaufc  it  proudly  mars  the  happy  match. 

-As  each  law-wedded  foul  is  jcin'd  to  fin,    , 

And  deftitute  of  holinefs  within ; 

So  all  that  wed  the  law,  mull  wed  the  curfe, 

h  rent  thy  fcorn  to  pay  with  Cbrijih  full  purl*. 

clear  may  read  their  dreadful  doom  in  brief, 

fe  fell er'd  fore  is  final  unbelief: 
Tho'  to  the  law  their  life  exa&ly  fram'd,  1  | 

For  zealous  acts  and  paflions  too  were  fam'd ;      ^   ■ 
Yet,  lo  !  He  that  belie-ves  not,  ftiail  be  dam.i  d.    J    , 

Bui  not'j  ^tisprcper,  on  the   ether fde, 
With  cwords  of  comfort  to  addrejs  the  bride.    - 
She  in  her  glorious  Hujband  does  pcfj'efs 
Adorning  grace,  acquitting  rightecufnefs  ; 
And  hence  to  her  pertain  the  golden  mines 
®f  confurt  of  ned  in  the  following  lineu    « 


GOSPEL 


GOSPEL  SONNETS; 

O  R, 

SPIRITUAL  SONGS, 

PART     II. 

k* 

lie  Believer's    foiNfufl? 

Oil, 

The  POEM  continued  upon  Isaiah  liv? 
5,  Thy  Maker  is  thy  Hufband, 


H.  B.  The  following  lines  being  primarily  intended 
for  the  ufe  and  edification  of.  pioujly-exercifea1  fouls , 
and  cfpecially  thqfe  of  a  more  common  and  ordinary 
capacity ;  the  author ,  thought  fit,  through  the 
whole  of  this  fecond  part  of  the  book,  to  continue, 
as  in  the  for?ner  editions,  to  repeat  that  part  of  the 
text,  Thy  Kufband,  in  the  laft  line  cf  every 
verfe  :  becauje  however  it  tended  to  limit  him,  and 
refirict  his.  liberty  of  words  in  the  compofi'ion, 
yet  having  ground  to  judge  that  this  appropriating 
compellation,  fill  rejumed,  had  rendered  thefe  lines 
formerly     the  more  favoury   to  Jome  exerci/sd    Chri- 

Jiian:,  ., 


7<s  Gospel      Sonnets. 

fiians,  to  nvbom  the  name  of  Christ  (particular 
ly  as  their  Head  and  Hujland)  is  as  ointmer 
poured  forth;  he  chofe  rather  to  Jubjecl  himfelf  i 
that  rejiriiiion,  than  to  <voith-hold  nvhat  nay  tend  t 
the  fatisfaciion  and  comfort  cf  ihcfe  to  <whm 
Christ  is  all  in  all-,  and  to  tuhem  his  name,  a 
their  Hujband,  fo  many  various  ivays  applied,  nxsil 
be  no  naufeous  repetition. 


CH  A  P.     I. 

Containing  the  privileges  of  the  believer  that 
is  elpoufed  to  Christ  by  faith  of  di- 
vine operation. 

S  E  C  T.    I. 

*fbe  Believer'j  perfetl  beauty,  free  acceptance  > 
and  full  fecuriiy,  through  the  imputation  of 
Christ'*  perfeSi  right  eoufnefs,  though  impart* 
id  grace  be  wiperfecl. 


O  Happy  foul,  Jehovah's  bride, 
The  Lamb's  beloved  fpoufe : 
Strong  con f Nation's  flowing  tide 
ThyHufDand  thee  allows. 

In  thee,  tho'  like  thy  father's  race* 

By  nature  black  as  hell, 
Yet  now,  fo  beautify'd  by  grace, 

Thy  Hufoand  loves  to  dwell. 

Fair  as  the  moon  thy  robes  appear, 

While  graces  are  in  drefs : 
Clear  as  the  fun,   while  found  to  wear 

Thy  Huiband's  righteoufnefs. 

Thy 


vrt  II.  The  Believer  t  Jointure. 

Thy  moon-Hke-graces,  changing  much. 

Have  here  and  there  a  fpot : 
Thy  fun-like  glory  is  net  fuch, 
-  Thy  Huiband  changes  not. 

Thy  white  and  ruddy  vefture  fair 

Outvies  the  rofy  leaf; 
Tor  'mong  ten  thoufand  beauties  rare 

Thy  Huiband  is  the  chief. 

Cloth'd  with  the  fun,  thy  robes  of  light 

The  morning-rays  outmine; 
The  lamps  of  heav'n  are  not  fo  bright, 

Thy  Hufband  decks  thee  fine. 

Tho'  hellilh  fmoak  thy-  duties  ftain, 

And  fin  deform  thee  quite ; 
,Thy  Surety's  merit  makes  thee  clean, 

Thy  Hufband's  beauty  white . 

Thy  pray'rs  and  tears,  nor  pure,  nor  good, 

But  vile  and  lothfome  feem ; 
Yet  gain,  by  dipping  in  his  blood, 

Thy  Hufband's  high  efleem* 

No  fear  thevu  flarve,  tho*  wants  be  great. 

In  him  thou  art  compleat : 
Thy  hungry  foul  may  hopeful  wait, 

Thy  Hufband  gives  thee  meat. 

Thy  money,  merit,  pow'r,  and  pelf,  ■ 

Were  fquander'd  by  thy  fall ; 
Yet,  having  nothing  in  thyfelf, 

Thy  Huiband  is  thy  all. 

; Law  precepts,  threats,  may  both  be  fet 

To  crave  of  thee  their  due ; 
But  juftice  for  thy  double  debt 

Thy  Hufband  did  purfue. 


Tho' 
t 


7?  Gospel     Son 


nets. 


Tho'  juftice  ftern  as  much  belong 

As  mercy  to  a  God  ; 
Yet  juftice  fuffer'd  here  no  wrong, 

Thy  Hufband's  back  was  broad. 

He!  bore  the  load  of  wrath  alore, 
That  mercy  might  take  vent 

Heav'ns  pointed  arrows  all  upon 
Thy  Hufband's  heart  were  (pent. 

No  partial  pay  cou'd  juftice  ftill, 
No  farthing  was  retrench'd; 

Vengeance  exacted  all,  until 
Thy  Hufband  all  advane'd. 

He  paid  in  liquid  golden  red 

Each  roite  the  law  requir'd, 
Till,  with  a  loud  *Tis  fnijhed, 

Thy  Kuiband's  breath  expir'd. 

No  procefs  more  the  law  can  'tent;. 

Thou  ftand'ft  without  its  verge, 
~And  mayfl  at  pleafure  now  prefent 

Thy  Hufband's  full  difcharge. 

Tho'  new  contracted  guilt  beget 

New  fears  of  divine  ire ; 
Yet  fear  thou  not,  tho'  drown'd  in  debt, 

Thy  Huiband  is  the  payer. 

God  might  in  rigour  thee  indite 
Of  higheil  crimes  and  flaws ; 

But  on  thy  head  no  curfe  can  lights 
Thy  Hufband  is  the  caufe. 


SfcCTl 

•    i 


>ART   It.  The    Belieroer'  cj  i;:t:r..  fj 

SEC   T.      II, 

^HRrsT    the     believer's  friend,  prophet,    priej?,    king* 
defence,  guide,  gnard,  help,  and  healer. 

DEar  foul,  when  all  thefhuman  race 
Lay,  welt'isng  in  their  gore, 
'  Vaft  numbers  in  that  difmal  cafe 

Thy  Huiband  palled  e*er, 

Bntprav,  why  did  he  thoufands  pafs, 

And  let  his  heart  on  thee  ■ 
The  deep,  the  iearchlefs  r?^fh:i  was3 

Thy  Hufband's  love  is  free. 

The  forms  of  favour,  names  of  grace, 
Winces  of  love, 
"•"He  bears  for  thee,  with  open  face 
Th]  l's  kii         -rs  prove, 

*Gafhfl:  dafknefs  b!ack?  and  error  blind, 

ThoVhaHafunandflneld; 

:•  And,  to  reveal  the  Father's  mind, 

Thy  Hufband  Prophet  feaFtf. 

Ke  likewife,  to  procure  thy  peace, 

And  fave  from  fin's  arreft, 
Refign'd  himfelfa  facrifieej 

Thy  Huiband  is  thy  Prief. 

■And  that  he  might  thy  will  fubject,  .  ' 

And  {weedy  captive  bring,  t  ' 

Thy  ens  fub-iue,  his  throne  ereS, 
Thy  Huiband  is  thy  Ktti*. 

f  ho'  nam'rous  and  gfikul&xi'g  foes 

L^.y  joyful  peace  may  mar;       ~'A 
And  thou  a  thoufanj  battles  lefe, 

Thy  Huiband  v^s  tlfe  w?.r» 


74-  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Hell's  forces,  which  thy  mind  appall, 

His  arm  can  foon  difpatch  ; 
How  ftrong  foe'er,  yet  for  them  all 

Thy  Huiband's  more  than  match. 

Tho*  fecret  lulls  with  hid  contefl, 

By  heavy  groans  reve^Pd, 
And  devils  rage ;  yet,  do  their  befl, 

Thy  Hufband  keeps  the  field. 

When,  in  defertion's  ev'ning  dark, 

Thyfteps  are  &pt  to  Hide, 
His  conduct  feek,  his  counfel  mark, 

Thy  Hulband  is  thy  guide. 

In  doubts,  renouncing  felf-conceit, 

His  word  and  Spirit  prize  : 
He  never  counfell'd  wrong  as  yet, 

Thy  Hufband  is  fo  wife. 

When  weak,  thy  refuge  feeft  at  hand, 

Yet  cannot  run  the  length ; 
'Tis  prefent  pow'r  to  underdand 

Thy  Huiband  is  thy  ftrength. 

When  making  florins  annoy  thy  heart, 

His  word  commands  a  calm  : 
When  bleeding  wounds,  to  eafe  thy  fmart 

Thy  Huiband's  blood  is  balm. 

Truft  creatures,  nor  to  help  thy  thrall, 

Nor  to  affwage  thy  grief; 
Uie  means,  but  look  beyond  them  all, 

Thy  Huiband's  thy  relief. 

If  Heav'n prefcribe  a  bitter  drug, 

Fret  not  with  froward  will ; 
This  carriage  may  thy  cure  prorogue; 

^hy  Hufband  wants  not  Sail, 


?art  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  75 

He  fees  the  fore,  he  knows  the  cure 

Will  molt  adapted  be ; 
'Tis  then  mGit  reafonable,  fure, 

Thy  Hufband  chufe  for  thee. 

Friendfhip  is  in  his  chain  foments, 

And  favour  in  his  frowns  -j 
Thence  judge  not  then,  in  heavy  plaint's, 

Thy  Hufband  thee  difowns. 

The  deeper  his  iharp  lancet  go 

In  ripping  up  thy  wound, 
The  more  thy  healing  mall  unto 

Thy  Hufband's  praife  redound, 

SECT.     III. 

Chri-st     the      believer's     wonderful    phyfician,      and 
wealthy  friend* 

Kind  Jefus  empties  whom  he'll  fill, 
Cafts  down  whom  he  will  rai-fe; 
He  quickens  whom  he  feems  to  kill  5 
Thy  Hufband  thus  gets  praife. 

When  awful  rods  are  in  his  hand, 

There's  mercy  in  his  mind ; 
When  clouds  upon  his  brow  do  fland3 

Thy  Hufband's  heart  is  kind, 

In  various  changes  to  and  fro, 

He'll  ever  condant  prove; 
Nor  can  his  kindnefs  ccme  and  go, 

Thy  Hufband's  name  is  Love. 

His  friends~in  moll  ami&ed  lot 

His  favour  mofi  have  felt ; 
For  when  they're  try'd  in  furnace  hot. 

Thy  Hufband's  bowels  melt. 

» 

G  2  Whta 


;  6  .  G  o  s  p  i  l-    Sonnet?. 

When  he  his  bride  or  wounds  or  heals, 

Heart  kindiiefs  doe:.  hhn  move; 

And  wraps  in  frown?  as  well  as  fmiles 

Hoiband's  lafiin-g  love, 

Co i'. Id  ever  fail, 
TJio'  of  a  hopelefs  frate; 

fp'rate  cafes  heal, 
Thy  Hufband's  art's  fo  great* 

The  medicine  he  -Ml  prep  *r?, 

Can't  fail  to  work  for  good : 
C  balfarn  pow'rful,  precious,  rare, 

Thy  Hufband's  facred blood; 

toih  I  is  broached  breaft 

Cufh'd  out  lihe  pent-up  fire. 
His  cares  are  beft,  his  wages  leafl,. 
Thy  Kufband  takes  no  \-.\.  e. 

Thpuhafi  np  worth,  nc  migLtj  no  good, 

His  favour  to  procure: 
But  fee  his  ftore,  hispow'r,  his  blood  j 

Thy  Hufband*s  never  poor. 

Himfelfhe  humbled  wondrouf:y, 
Once  to  the  loweft  pitch, 

it  bankrupts  thro*  hip  poverty 
Thy  Hulband  might  enrich. 

treafure  is  mere  excellent 
Than  hills  of  Ophir  gold  : 
In  veiling  ftore  were  ages  fper.c, 
Thy  Huiband's  cai.'t  be  told. 

All  things  that  fly  or  winps  of  fam?, 

Compar'd  with  this,   aie  dn.fs  ; 
For  fearchlefs  riches  in  his  name 


The- 


Part  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure*  .'7 

The  great  IMMANUEL,  God- man, 

Includes  fuch  {lore  divine ; 
Angels  and  faints  will  never  fcan 

Thy  Hufband's  golden  mine. 

He's  full  of  grace  and  truth  indeed, 

OfSpir.it,  merit,  might; 
Of  all  the  wealth  that  bankrupts  need 

Thy  Hufband's  heir  by  right. 

Tho'  heav'n's  his  throne,  he  came  from  thence 

To  feek  and  fave  the  loft  : 
Whatever  be  the  vail  expence, 

Thy  Hufband's  at  the^olt. 

Pleas'd  to  expend  each  drop  of  blood 

That  hTl'd  his  royal  veins, 
He  frank  the  facred  victim  Hood  ; 

Thy  Hulband  fpar'd  no  pains,  • 

His  coil  immenfe  was  in  thy  plaee^ 

Thy  freedom  coft  his  thrall ; 
Thy  glory  coll  him  deep  difgrace,  , 

Thy  Hulband  paid  for  all. 

S  E  C  T.    IVY 

The    believer's  fafety   under  the  covert     of    Christ** 
atoning  blood,  and  powerful  ini ere ejfi on. 

WHen  Keav'n  proclaimed  hot  war  and  wrath, 
And  fm  increas'd  the  ftrife ; 
By  rich  obedience  unto  death 
T^y  Hufband  bought  thy  life. 

The  charges  could  net  be  abridged, 

But  on  thefe  noble  terms.; 
Which  ail  that  prize,  arehugg'd  amidft-- 

Thy  Hufband's  folded  arms, 

G  %  ..  When 


GOSPEL       b   0   N   X  E   T  3. 

Wlf  n  ^7\  con^e^^S  and  justice  too 

i  o  prifon  woftjd  thee  hale  ; 
As  fureties  kind  for  bankrupts  do, 

Thy  Hufband  oifers  bail. 

God  on  thefe  terms  is  reconcil'd, 
And  thou  his  heart  haft  won  ; 

In  drift  thou  art  his  favoured  child, 
Thy  Hufband  is  his  Son. 

Vindictive  wrath  is  whole  appeas'd, 
Thou  need'il  not  then  be  mov'd;. 
h:  Jesus  always  he's  njoett phased, 

What  can  be  laid  unto  thy  charge; 

When  God  does  not  condemn  ? 
Bills  of  complaint  tho'  foes  enlarge, 

Thy  Huflband  anfwers  them. 

When  fear  thy  guilty  mind  confounds, 
Full  comfort  this  may  yield; 

ranfom-bill  with  blood  and  wounds 
Thy  Hufband  kind  has  feal'd. 

His  promife  is  the  fair  extract 

T-.ca  haft  a:  hand  to  (hew; 
Stern  juftice  can  no  more  exact, 

Thy  Hufband  paid  its  due. 

No  terms  he  left  thee  to  fulfil, 

No  clog  to  mar  thy  faith ; 
His  bond  is  iign'd,  hie  latter- will-. 

Thy  Hufband  feal'd by  death. 

The  great  condition  of  the  band 

Of  promife  and  of  blifs, 
1:  wrought  by  him,  and  brought  to  hand, 

Thy  Kdband's  righteoufjiefs. 


When 


'ak.t   11.  The  Belli  ver's  "Jointure.  ~g 

When  therefore  prefs'd  in  time  of  need- 
To  fue  the  promis'd  good, 

Thou  haft  no  more  to  do  but  plead 
Thy  Hufband's  -fealing  "blood. 

This  can  thee  more  to  God  commend, 

And  cloudy  wrath  difpel, 
Than  e'er  thy  finning  could  offend; 

Thy  Hufband  vanquinVd  hell,  . 

When  vengeance  feems,  for-broken  laws, 

To  light  on  thee  with  dread, 
Let.Chrift  be  umpire  of  thy  caufe; 

Thy  Hufband  well  <:an  plead. 

Ke  pleads  hls-righteoufnefs,  that  brought 

All  rents  die  law  could  crave; 
Whate'er  its  precepts,  threat'nings,  fought. 
Thy  Hufband  fully- gave. 

Did  holinefs  in  precepts  ftaaid. 

And  for  perfection  -call, 
Jultice  in  threat'nings  death  demand  ? 

Thy  Hufband  gave  it  all.- 

His  blood  thy  fiery  law  did  quench, 

Its  fummons  need  not  fcare ; 
Tho't  cite  thee  to  Heav'n's  awful  bench. 

Thy  Hufband's  at  the  bar. 

This  Advocate  has  much  to  fay, 

His  clients  need  not  fear; 
Tor  God  the  Father  hears  him  ay, 

Thy  Hufband  hath  his  ear. 

A  caufe  fail'd  never  in  his  hand, 

Co  ftrong  his  pleading  is ; 
His  Father  grants-  his  whole  demand^ 

Thy  Kufband's  will  is  his, 

Heft 


*o  CjOSPEL       Sonnitj. 

Hell-forces  all  may  rendezvous, 

Accufers  may  combine; 
Yet  fear  thou  not  who  art  his  fpoufe, 
Thy  Hufband's  caufe  is  thine. 

By  folemnoath  Jehovah  did 

His  priefthood  ratify.; 
Let  earth  and  hell  then  counterplead, 

Thy  Hufband  gains  the  plea. 

SE  C  T.     V.  • 

The  believer's    faith   and  hope   encouraged,  even   in 
the  darkeji  nights  ofdefertion  and  diftrefs* 

THE  cunning  ferpent  may  accufe, 
But  never  fhall  fucceed  ; 
The  God  of  peace  <will  Satan  bruife, 
Thy  Hufband  brokt  his  head. 

Hell- furies  threaten  to  devour, 

Like  lions  robb'd  of  whelps : 
But  lo,  in  ev'ry  per'lous  hour, 

Thy  Hulband  always  helps. 

That  feeble  faith  may  never  fail, 

Thine  Advocate  has  pray'd  ; 
Tho'  winnowing  tempefts  may  afihil, 

Thy  Hufband's  near  to  aid. 

The'  grievous  trials  grow  apace, 

And  put  thee  to  a  ftand  ; 
Thou  mayft  rejoice  in  ev'ry  cafe, 

Thy  Hufband's  help  at  hand. 

Trufl,  tho',  when  in  defertion  dark, 

No  twinkling  ftar  by  night, 
No  ray  appear,  no  glimm'ring  fpa/k  3  • 

Thy  Hulband  is  ;hy  light. 

Hi* 


Faf-T  II.  The  Believers    Jointure,  #1 

His  beams  anon  the  clouds  can  rent, 

And  thro'  the  vapours  run; 

For  of  the  brighter!  firmament  ■ 

Thy  Hulband  is  the  fun. 

•  -  Without  the  fun  miho  mourning  gd, 
And  fcarce  the  way  can  find, 
Ke  brings  thro' paths  they  do  not  know, 
Thy  Hufband  leads  the  blind. 

Through  fire  and  -ivater  he  kviih  Jkill 

Brings  to  a  wealthy  land', 
Rude  flames  and  roaring  floods,  BE  S'TILL,. 

Thy  Hufband  can  command. 

When  fin  diforders  heavy  brings, 

That  prefs  thy  foul  with  weight; 
Then  mind  how  many  crooked  things 

Thy  Hufband  has  madejlraight. 

Still  look  to  him  with  longing  e)  e-s, 

Tho'  both  thine  eyes  mould  fail ; 
Cry,  and  at  length,  tho'  not  thy  criet3 

Thy  Hufband  mall  prevail- 
Still  hope  for  favour  at  his  hand, 

Tho'  favour  don't  appear; 
When  help  feems  mofc  aloof  to  {land, 

Thy  Hufoand's  then  moft  near. 

In  cafes  hopeleiVlike,  faint  hopes 

May  fail,  and  fears  annoy ; 
But  moil  when  fiript  of  earthly  props, 

Thy  Hufband  thou'lt  enjoy. 

Improvidence  the  promife  thwart, 

And  yet  thy  humbled  mind 
'Gainft  hope  believes  in  hope,  thou  srt 

Thy  Hufoand's  dearefl  friend. 


$z  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Art  thou  a  weakling  poor  and  faint, 

In  jeopardy  each  hour  ? 
Let  not  thy  weaknefs  move  thy  plaint, 

Thy  Hufband  has  the  pow'r. 

Dread  not  the  foes  that  foil'd  thee  long, 

Will  ruin  thee  at  length : 
vWhen  thou  art  weak,   then  art  thou  ftrong; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  ftrength. 

When  foes  are  mighty,  many  too* 

Don't  fear,  nor  quit  the  field; 
'Tis  not  with  thee  they  have  to  do; 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  ihield. 

*Tis  hard  to  fight  againfl  an  hoft, 

Or  flrive  againfl  the  flream ; 
But  lo,   when  all  feems  to  be  loft? 

Thy  Hufband  will  redeem. 

SECT     VL 

Benefits    accruing  to    believers,  from  the  offices,    n4ma, 
natures ,  and fufferings  c/Chri$t. 

ART  thou  by  lulls  a  captive  led, 
f\   Which  breeds  thy  deepeft  grief* 
To  ranfom  captives  is  his  trade, 
Thy  Hufband's  thy  relief. 

His  precious  name  is  Jesus,  why? 

Becaufe  he  faves  from  fin  ; 
Redemption -right  he  won't  deny, 

Thy  Hufband's  near  of  kin. 

His  wounds  have  fav'd  thee  once  from  woes, 

His  bio   i  from  vengeance  fcreen'd; 
When  Heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell  were  fees, 

Thy  Hufband  was  a  friend : 

And 


PAR.T  II.  The    Believer's    Jointure.  $$ 

And  will  thy  Captain  now  look  on, 

And  fee  thee  trampled  down  ? 
When,  lo,  thy  Champion  has  the  throne, 

Thy  Kuiband  wears  the  crown. 

Yield  not,  tro'  cunning  Satan  bribe,' 

Or  like  a  lion  rore ; 
The  Lion  ftrong  of  Judah's  tribe3 

Thy  Huiband's  to  the  fore. 

And  that  he  never  <nxillforfake, 

His  credit  fair  he  pawn'd ; 
In  hotter!  broils,  then,  courage  takea 

Thy  Hufband's  at  .thy  hand. 

No  ftorm  needs  drive  thee  to  a  flrait, 

Who  doft  his  aid  invoke : 
Fierce  winds  may  blow,  proud  waves  may  beat ; 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  Rock, 

Renounce  thine  own  ability, 

Lean  to  his  promis'd  might; 
The  Strength  oflfra'i  cannot  lyes 

Thy  Huiband's  pow'r  is  plight. 

An  awful  truth  does  here  prefent, 

Whoever  think  it  odd ; 
In  him  thou  art  omnipotent. 

Thy  Hufband  is  a  God. 

Jehovah's  ilrength  is  in  thy  Head, 

Which  faith  may  boldly  fcan; 
God  in  thy  nature  does  rende, 

Thy  Hufoand  is  a  man. 

Thy  flefh  is  his,  his  Spirit  thine ; 

And  that  you  both  are  one, 
One  body,  (pint,  temple,  vine, 

Thy  Huiband  deigns  to  own, 

Kind, 


Si  Gospel     Sonnets., 

Kind,  he  aiFum'd  thy  flefh  and  blood 

This  union  to  purfue ; 
A:vi  without  lhame  his  brotherhood 

Thy  Kulband  does  avow. 

He  bore  the  crofs  thy  crown  to  win, 

His  blood  he  freely  fpilt; 
The  holy  One  aiTuming  fin, 

Thy  Hufband  bore  the  guilt. 

Ln,  what  ab-eiVd  exchange  is  this? 

i .  .'cm  fhines  therein  ? 
That  thou  might* fl  bs  madirightemfnefa 
Thy  Hufband  was  made  Jin. 

The  God  of  joy  a  man  of  grief, 

Thy  lorrows  to  difcufs; 
Pure  innocence  hangMas  a  thief: 

Thy  Hufband  lov'd  thee  thus. 

icauty  had  his  vifage  marr'd, 
His  comely  form  abus'd  : 
True  reft  was  from  all  refi  debarrM, 
Thy  Hufband's  heel  was  bfttis'd. 

Th  2  God  of  bleffings  was  a  curie, 
The  Lord  of  lords  a  drudge. 

The  heir  of  all  things  poor  in  pusfe  : 
Thy  Kufband  did  not  gru  Ige. 

The  Judge  of  all  condemned  was, 
The  God  immortal  (lain  : 

No  favour,  in  thy  woful  -caufe. 
Thv  Hufband  did  obtain. 


F  a  R  T .  ii .  ?.he  tteuever  s  .  Jointure:*  85 

SECT.     VII. 

Christ' j  bufferings  further  improved  %  and  believers 
■  called  to  live  by  faith,  both  when  they  have  and 
•want  fenfible  influences. 

LOud  praifes  ilng,  without  furceafe, 
To  him  that  frankly  came, 
And  gave  his  foul  a  facrifice ; 
Thy  Hufband  was  the  lamb. 

What  wak'ned  vengeance  could  denounce* 

All  round  him  did  befet ; 
And  never  left  his  foul,  till  once 

Thy  Hufband  paid  the  debt. 

And  tho*  new  debt  thou  ftill  contract 

And  run  in  deep  arrears ; 
Yet  ail  thy  burdens  on  his  back 

Thy  Hufband  always  bears. 

"Thy  Judge  will  ne'er  demand  of  thee 

Two  payments  for  one  debt ; 
Thee  with  one  victim  wholly  free 

Thy  Hufband  kindly  fet. 

That  no  grim  vengeance  might  thee  meet. 

Thy  Hufband  met  with  all ; 
And,  that  thy  foul  might  drink  the  fweet, 

Thy  Hufband  drank  the  gall. 

Full  breafts  of  joy  he  loves  t'  extend, 

Like  to  a  kindly  nurfe ; 
And,  that  thy  blifs  might  full  be.  gain'd» 

Thy  Hufband  was  a  curfe. 

Thy  fins  he  glu'd  unto  the  tree* 

His  blood  this  virtue  hate ; 
For,    that  thy  heart  to  fin  might  die^ 

Thy  Hufband  fuffer'd  death, 

H  To 


$6  Gospel    So 


N  N  E  T*. 


To  purchafe  fully  all  thy  good, 

All  evil  him  befel ; 
To  win  thy  heav'n  with  flreams  of  bloojl, 

Thy  Hufband  quenched  hell. 

That  this  kind  Days-man  in  one  band 
Might  God  and  man  betroth, 

He  on  both  parties  lays  his  hand\ 
Thy  Hufband  pleafes  both. 

The  blood  that  could  ftern  juflice  pleafe, 

And  law-demands  fulfil, 
Can  alfo  guilty  confcience  eafe; 

Thy  Hufband  clears  the  bill. 

Thy  higheft  glory  is  obtain'd 

By  his  abafement  deep ; 
And,  that  thy  tears  might  all  be  dran'4, 

Thy  Hufband  chofe  to  weep. 

His  bondage  all-  thy  freedom  bought, 

He  ftoop'd  fo  lowly  down ; 
His  grappling  all  thy  grandeur  brought, 

Thy  Hufband's  crofs  thy.  crown. 

'Tis  by  his  (hock  thy  iceptre  fways, 
His  warfare  ends  thy  flrife ; 

His  poverty  thy  wealth  conveys, 
Thy  Hufband's  4eath  thy  life. 

Do  mortal  damps  invade  thy  heart, 
-     And  deadnefs  feize  thee  fore  ? 
Rejoice  in  this,  that  life  t' impart 
Thy  Hufband  has  in  flore. 

And  when  new  life  imparted  feems 

Eftablifh'd  as  a  rock, 
Boaft  in  the  fountain,  not  the  ftreajns  J 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  flock. 


Thf 


Part  IL  %he  Believer's    Jointure.  %y 

The  ftreams  may  take  a  various  turn, 

The  fountain  never  moves : 
Ceafe  then  o'er  failing  ftreams  to  mourn. 

Thy  Hufband  thus  thee  proves. 

That  glad  thou  mayft,  when  drops  aregone^ 

Joy  in  the  fpacious  fea : 
When  incomes  fail,  then  ftill  upon 

Thy  Hufband  keep  thine  eye. 

But  can't  thou  look,  nor  moan  thy  ftrait. 

So  dark's  the  difmal  hour  ? 
Yet,  as  thou'rt  able,  cry,  and  wait 

Thy  Kuiband's  day  of  power. 

Tell  him,  though  Jin  prolong  the  term^ 

Yet  love  can  fcarce  delay : 
Thy  want,  his  promife,  all  affirm, 

Thy  Hufband  muft  hot  flay. 

SECT.    VIIL 

Christ  the  believer's  enriching  treafun* 

wtT Tnd  Jefus  lives,  thy  life  to  be 
£^ .  Who  mak'fl  him  thy  refuge ; 
And,  when  he  comes,  thou'lt  joy  to  fee 
Thy  Hufband  fhall  be  judge. 

Should  palling  troubles  thee  annoy, 

Without,  within,  or  both  ? 
Since  endlefs  life  thou'lt  then  enjoy, 

Thy  Hufband  pledg'd  his  truth. 

What  wont  he,  ev'nintime,  impart 

That's  for  thy  real  good  ? 
He  gave  his  love,  he  gave  his  heart, 

Thy  Hufband  gave  his  blood. 

He  gives  himfelf,  and  what  lhould  more  ?' 
What  can  he  then  refufe  ? 

H  2  U 


&£  Gospel     Sonnets. 

If  this  won't  pleafe  thee,  ah  how  fore 
Thy  Hufband  doll  abufe ! 

Earth's  fruit,  heav'ri's  dew  he  won't  deny, 

Whofe  eyes  thy  need  behold : 
Nought  under  or  above  the  Iky 

Thy  Hufband  will  with-hold. 

Doft  lofTes  grieve  ?  Since  all  is  thine,  . 

What  lofs  can  thee  befal  ? 
All  things  for  good  to  thee  combine ; 

Thy  Hufband  orders  all. 

Thou'rt  not  put  off  with  barren  leaves, 

Or  dung  of  earthly  pelf; 
More  wealth  than  heav'n  and  earth  he  gives, 

Thy  Huiband's  thine  himfelf. 

Thou  haft  enough  toftay  thy  plaint, 

Eife  thou  complain'ft  of  eafe ; 
For,  having  all,  don't  fpeak  of  want,  „ 

Thy  Hufband  may  fuffice. . 

From  this  thy  (lore,  believing,  take  • 

Wealth  to  the  utmoft  pitch : 
The  gold  of  Ophir  cannot  make, 

Thy  Huiband  makes  thee  rich.- 

Some  flying  gains  acquire  by  pains,  . 

And  fome  by  plund'ring  toil; 
Such  treafure  fades;  but  thine  remains, 

Thy  Huiband's  cannot  fpoil. 

SECT.     IX. . 

Christ./^<?  believer's  adorning -gannen  r. ■ 

YEA,  thou  excelFil  in  rich  attire 
The  lamp  that  lights  the  globe; 
Thy  fparkiing  garment  heav'ns  admire, 
Thy  Huiband  is  thy  robe. 

This 


?art  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure*  %§ 

This  raiment  never  waxes  old, 

'Tis  always  new  and  clean  i 
From  fummer-heat,  and  winter-cold, 

Thy  Hufband  can  thee  fcreen. 

All  who  the  name-  of  worthies  borer 

Since  Adam  was  undrelt, 
No  worth  acquir'd,  but  as  they  wore  • 

Thy  Hulband's  purple  veft. 

This  linen  fine  can  beautify  ? 

The  foul  with  fin  begirt.1  v 
O  blefs  his  name,  that  e'er  on  thee    ' 

Thy  Huiband  fpread  his  fkirt.  j 

Are  dunghills  deck'd  with  How'ry  glore,    , 

Which  Solomon's  outvie? 
Sure  thine  is  infinitely  more, 

Thy  Hufband  decks  the  iky,; 

Thy  hands  could  never  work-  the  drefs,    - 

By  grace  alone  thou'rt  gay.  ■ 
Grace  vents  and  reigns  through  righteoufnefs^    - 

Thy  Hufband's  bright  array. 

To  fpin  thy  robe  no  more  doit  need  -i 

Than  lilies  toils  for  theirs  j  - 
©ut  of  his  bowels  ev'ry  thread 

Thy  Huiband  thine  prepares*  • 

SECT.     X.  r- 
Christ  the  believer's Jhueet  nourijhmsnt,    - 

THY  food,  conform  to  thine  array, 
Is  heav'nly  and  divine  j 
On  paftures  green,  where  angels  play,  \  , 
Thy  Hufband  feeds  thee  fine. 

Angelic  food  may  make  tliee  fair, 
And  look  with  chearful  face  -P 

H  3  The 


$e>  Gospel     3  o  n  h*  t  e. 

The  bread  oflife,  the  double  fhare, 
Thy  Huiband's  love  and  grace* 

What  can  he  give*  or  thou  defire, 
More  than  his  flefh  and  blood  ? 

Let  angels  wonder,  faints  admire, 
Thy  Hufband  is  thy  food ! 

His  flefh  the  incarnation  bears, 

From  whence  thy  feeding  flows;  _ 

His  blood  the  fatisfaSlion  clears  ;. 
Thy  Hufband  both  beiiows, 

Th'  incarnate  God  a  facYifice, 

To  turn  the  wrathful  tide, 
Is  food  for  faith ;   that  may  fufrice 

Thy  Hufband's  guilty  bride. 

This  Hrength'ning  food  may  fit  and  fence. 

For  work  and  war  to  come ; 
Till  through  the  croud,  fome  moments  hen< 

Thy  Hufband  bring  thee  home  : 

Where  plenteous  feafting  will  fucceed 

To  fcanty  feeding  here : 
And  joyful  at  the  table-head 

Thy  Hufband  fair  appear. 

Then  crumbs  to  banquets  will  give,  place, 

And  drops  to  rivers  new  •* 
While  heart  and  eye  will  face  to  face 

Thy  Hulband  ever  view. 


chap; 


PilLT*  II.  The   Believer's  Jointure*  gi, 

GHA.P.     XL 

Containing  the  marks  and  chara&ers  of  the 
believer  in  Christ-,  together  with  fome 
farther  privileges,  and  grounds  of  camion: 
to  the  faints. 

SEC  TV   I. 

Sroubting  believers  called  to  examine,  by  marks  drawn 
Jrom  their  love  to  him  and  his  prejence,  tbeif  <vie-zv 
of  his  glory,  and,jheir.  being  emptied  of  felf- 
rightecujnefs,  &c»  ... 

GOod  news !  bat,,  fays  the  drooping  bride-. 
Ah  1  whatfs  all  this  to  me  ? 
Thou  doubt'il  thy  right  when  fhadows  hide 
Thy  Hufband's  face  from  thee. 

Through  fin  and  guilt  thy  fpirit  faints, 

And  trembling  fears  thy  fate : 
But  harbour  not  thy  groundlefs  plaints, 

Thy  Hufband's  advent  wait. 

Thou  fobb'ft,  "  O  were  I  lure  he's  mine, 

This  would  give  glad'ning  eafe;" 
And  fay'ft,  Though  wants  and  woes  CGrnhiise, 

Thy  Hulband  would  thee  pleafe. 

But  up,  and  down,  and  feldorn. clear, 

Inclos'd  with  helliih  "routs ; 
Ye.t yield  thou  not,  nor  foiter  fear: 

Thy  Hufband  hates  thy  doubts. 

Thy  cries  an<!  tears  may  flighted  feem, 

And  barrd  from  preient  eafe.; 
Yet  blame  thyfelf,  but  never  dream 

Thy  Hufoand's  ill  to  pleafe. 

Thy 


Gospel     Sonnet:. 

Thy  jealous  unbelieving  heart 

Still  droops,  and  knows  not  why ; 
Then  prove  tb.yfelf,  to  eafe  thy  fmart,. 

Thy  Huiband  bids  thee  try. 

The  following  queftions  put  to  thee, 

As  fcripture-marks,  may  tell 
And  mew,  whatever  thy  failings  be3 

Thy  Huiband  loves  thee  well.. 

Makks. 

ART  thon  content  when  he's  away  ? 
Can  earth  allay  thy  pants  ? 
If  confcience  witnefs,  won't  it  fay, 
Thy  Hufband's  all  thou  wants? 

When  he  is  near,  (thoughin  a  crofs), 

And  thee  with  comfort  feeds  ; 
Doft  thou  not  count  the  earth  as  drofs. 

Thy  Huiband  all  thou  needs  ? 

In  duties  art  thou  pleas'd  or  pain'd, 

When  far  he's  out  of  view? 
And  finding  him,  think'ft  all  regain'd, 

Thy  Huiband  always  new  ? 

Though  once  thou  thought'^,  while  Sinai  miSt 

Anddarknefs  compafs'd  thee, 
Thou  waft  undone ;  and  glorious  Chriir, 

Thy  Huiband  ne'er  would  be : 

Yet  kncw'ft  thou  not  a  fairer  place, 

Of  which  it  may  be  told, 
That  there  the  glorv  of  his  grace 

Thy  Huiband  did  unfold? 

Where  heav'nly  beams  inflam'd  thy  {ohI, 
And  love's  feraphic  art, 

With 


hART  II.  The  Believer9 s   Jointure,  .  e^ 

With  hallelujahs,  did  extol . 
Thy  Hufband  in  thy  heart  ?  . 

Couldft  then  have  wiih'd  all  Adam's  race  - 

Had  join'd  with  thee  to  gaze ; 
That,  viewing  fond  his  comely  face, 

Thy  Hufband  might  get  praife  ? 

Art  thou  disjoin'd  from  other  lords  ?  " 

Divorc'd  from  fed'ral  laws  ? 
While  with  moft  loving  gofpel-cords "■_ 

Thy  Hufband  kindly  draws  ? 

AVt  thou  enlightened  now,  to  fee  ; 

Thy  righteoufnefs  is  naught 
But  rags,  that  cannot  cover  thee  ?  . 

Thy  Hufband  fo  has  taught, 

Doft  fee  thy  beft  performance? 

Deferve  but  hell  indeed  ? 
And  hence  art  led,  renouncing  thefe, 

Thy  Huiband's  blood  to  plead  ? 

When  ftrength'ned  boldly  to  addrefs  : 

That  gracious  throne  of  his, 
Doft  find  thy  ftrength  and  righteoufnefe  . 

Thy  Hufband  only  is  ? 

Canfl  thou  thy  moft  exalted  frame  . 

Renounce,  as  with'ring  grafs, 
And  firmly  hold  thine  only  claim, 

Thy  Huiband's  worthinefs  ? 

Canfr  pray  with  utmoft  holy  *  pith, 

And  yet  renounce  thy  good.  ? 
And  wain,  not  with  thy  tears,  but  with \ 

Thy  Huiband's  precious  blood  .?- 

*  'Vigor  or  ftrength* h. 


w  iv   n    I  7 


SECT.    II. 

Believers   defcribed  from   their  faith  aBing  by    divim 
aid,  and  feeing  quite  out  of  themfehes  to  Christ. 

CAN  nothing  lefs  thy  confcience  eafe,  . 
Andpleafe  thy  heart;  no  lefs 
Than  that  which  juftice  fatisfies, 
Thy  Hufband's  righteoufnefs  ? 

Do  ft  fee  thy  works  fo  ftain'd  with  fin, 

That  thou  through  grace  art  mov'd 
To  feek  acceptance  onlv  in 

Thy  Hufband,  the  belov'd? 

Dofl  thou  remind,  that  once  a-day 

Free  grace  did  ftrengthen  thee, 
To  gift  thy  guilty  foul  away, 

Thy  Hufband's  bride  to  be  ? 

Or  doll  thou  mind  the  day  of  pow'r, 

Wherein  he  broke  thy  pride, 
And  gain'd  thy  heart?  O  happy  hour  J 

Thy  Hufband  caught  the  bride  I 

He  did  thy  enmity  fubdue, 

Thy  bondage  fad  recal, 
Made  thee  to  chufe,  and  clofe  purfuc 

Thy  Hufband  as  thy  all. 

What  reft,  and  peace,  and  joy  enfu'd 

Upon  this  noble  choice  ? 
Thy  heart,  with  flow'rs  of  pleafure  ftrew'd,   - 

Thy  Hufband  made  rejoice. 

Doft  know  thou  ne'er  couldft  him  embrace,   - 

Till  he  embraced  thee  ? 
Nor  ever  fee  him,  till  his  face 

Thy  Hufband  opea'd  free? 

Anp 


^rt  II.  The  Believer's    Jointure* 

And  findeft  to  this  very  hour, 
That  this  is  itill  the  charm ; 

Thou  canft  do  nothing,  till  with  pow'r 
Thy  Hufband  Ihew  his  arm? 

Canft  thou  do  nought  by  nature,  art, 

Or  any  itrength  of  thine, 
Until  thy  wicked  fro  ward  heart 

Thy  Huiband  mall  incline  ? 

But  art  thou,  though  without  a  wing 

Of  povv'r  aloft  to  flee, 
Yet  able  to  do  ev'ry  thing, 

Thy  Hufband  ftrength'ning  thee? 

Doft  not  alone  at  duties  fork, 

But  foreign  aid  enjoy  ? 
And  Hill  in  ev'ry  piece  of  work 

Thy  Hufband's  ilrength  employ? 

Thy  motion  heav'hly  is  indeed, 
While  thou  by  faith  doit  move, 

And  Hill  in  ev'ry  time  of  need 
Thy  Hufband's  grace  improve. 

No  common  nat*ral  faith  canfhew 

Its  divine  brood  like  this ; 
Whofe  object,  author,  feeder  too, 

Thy  Hufband  only  is. 

JDoft  thou  by  faith  on  him  rely? 

On  him,  not  on  thy  faith  r 
If  faith  fhall  with  its  objeft  vie, 

Thy  Hufband's  fet  beneath. 

Their  hands  receiving  faculty 

Poor  beggars  never  view ; 
But  hold  the  royal  gift  in  eye  -, 

Thy  Husband  fo  wilt  thou, 


'tail* 


*!& 


Gospel     So  nN  e  t 

F*!£>^e  *  gazing  eye,  ne'er  waits 
1  o  boaft  its  feeing  pow'rs  • 

Its  object  views,  itfelf  forgets' 
Thy  Hufband  it  adores. 

It  humbly  ftill  itfelf  denies, 

Nor  brags  its  acts  at  all; 
Peep  plung'd  into  its  obj eft  lies, 
Thy  Hufband  is  its  all. 

No  ftrength  but  his  it  has,  and  vaunts 
No  ftore  but  his  canlhovv  : 
.Hence  nothing  has,  yet  nothing  wants, 
Thy  Hufband  trains  it  fo. 

Faith,  cf  its  own,  no  might  can  fhew, 

Elfe  would  itfelfdeftroy; 
But  will,  for  all  it  has  to  do, 

Thy  Hufband  ftill  employ. 

Self-faviours  none  could  ever  be 

By  faith  or  grace  cf  theirs ; 
Their  fruitlefs  toil,  fo  high  that  flee, 

Thy  Hufband's  praife  impairs. 

The  feemingly  devouteft  deed, 
That  would  with  fhamelefs  brow 

His  faving  trade  take  o'er  his  head, 
Thy  Hufband  won't  allow. 

Doft  therefore  thou  to  him  -alone 

Commit  thy  finful  foul  ? 
Knowing  of  thy  falvation 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  whole  I 


SECT, 


Part  IL  The  Believer's  Jointure.  $? 

SECT.    III. 

Believers  charatlerifed  by  the  chje&s  and  purity  of 
their  dejire,  delight ,  joy,  hat red ',  and  lo-ve?  difi 
covering  they  have  tin  Spirit  of  C H  r i  s t  . 

-|~"V  OST  thou  his  Spirit's  conduft  wait? 

\_J  And,  when  compar'd  to  this, 
AH^vvorldly  wifdom  under-rate? 
Thy  Kufoand  waits  to  blefs. 

Tak'it  thou  his  Spirit  for  thy  guide 

Through  Baca's  valley  dry, 

Whole,  itreams  of  influences  glide 

Thy  Huftand's  garden  by  r 

In  digging  wells  here  by  his  pow'f, 

Doit  rind  it  not  in  vain, 
While  here  a  drop,  and  there,  a  fhowVv 

Thy  Hufband  makes  to  rain  ? 

Hence  dolt  thou  through  each  weary  eaie 

From,  ftreng th  to  ftrength  go  on, 
From  faith  to  faith,  while  grace  for  gracs 

Thy  Hufband  gives  anon  ? 


The  good,  the  gracious  work  beg. 

And  further'd  by  his  ftrength, 
Shall  profp'rous,  though  with  wreiUing,  win 

Thy  Hufhand's  crown  at  length. 

Sin's  pow'r  and  prefence  canft  thou  own 

Is  thy  moft  grievous  fmart, 
That  makes  thee  fob  and  weep  alone  ? 

Thy  Hufband  knows  thy  heart, 

Does  love  to  him  make  thee  difraue 

Thy  lufts,  with  all  their-charms  ? 
And  mofi  them  lotJh'ft,  when  moil  thou  hait 

Thy  Hufband  in  thir.  e  arms : 

I  Av, 


9§  Gospel      Sonnets. 

Are  cords  of  love  the  fweeteft  ties 

To  bind  thee  duty-ways  ? 
And  bell  thou  ferv'ft,  when  molt  thou  fpie« 

Thy  Hufband's  beauteous  rays  ? 

Didft  ever  thou  thy  pardon  read 

In  tears  of  untold  joy  ? 
When  mercy  made  thy  heart  to  bleed, 

Thy  Hufband  was  not  coy. 

Do  pardons  ftveetly  melt  thy  heart? 

And  molt  embitter  fin  ? 
And  make  thee  long  with  drofs  to  part, 

Thy  Hufband's  throne  to  win  ? 

When  he  arifes  lulls  to  kill, 

Corruptions  to  deflroy, 
Does  gladnefs  then  thy  fpirit  fill  ? 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  joy. 

©oft  thou  his  perfon  fair  embrace 

Beyond  his  bleflings  all  ? 
Sure,  then,  thou  boldly  mayfl  through  grace 

Thy  Hufband  Jefus  call. 

What  company  doft  thou  prefer? 

What  friends  above  the  reft  ? 
Of  all  relations  ever  were, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  belt. 

Whom  in  the  earth  or  heav'n  doft  thou 

Molt  ardently  defire  ? 
Is  love's  afcending  fpark  unto 

Thy  Hufband  fet  on  fire  ? 

Haft  thou  a  hatred  to  his  foes, 

And  doft  their  courfe  decline  ? 
Lov'ft  thou  his  faints,  and  dar'ft  fuppofe 

Thy  Hufband's  friends  are  thine  I 


Doft 


Pap,t  II.  The  Believer'' s    Jointure.  99 

Dof:  thou  their  talk  and  walk  efceern, 

When  moll  divinely  graf  e  ? 
And  favour  11:  bell  when  molt  they  feem 

Thy  Huiband's  Sp'rit  to  have? 

SECT.     IV. 

Believers  in  Christ  ajj efi  his counfel,  iv&rd,  ordi* 
nances,  appearance,  full  enjoyment  in  heaven,  and 
fweet  prefence  here. 

WHERE  go'lt  thou  nrft  when  in  a  ttrait, 
Or  when  with  grief  opprefc  ? 
Flee'il  thou  to  him  ?  O  happy  gate ! 
Thy  Hulband  is  thy  reft. 

His  counfel  feek'fl  thou  ftill  prepar'd, 

Nor  canll  without  him  live  ? 
Wifdom  to  guide,  and  llrength  to  guards 

Thy  Hulband  hath  to  give. 

Canft  thou  produce  no  pleafant  pawn, 

Or  token  of  his  love  ? 
Won't  fignets,  bracelets  from  his  hand3 

Thy  Hufb-and's  kindnefs  prove  ? 

Mind'ft  when  he  fe'nt  his  healing  wordP 

Which  darting  from  on  high, 
Did  light-,  and  life,  and  joy  afford  ? 

Thy  Hulband  then  was  nigh. 

Car-il  thou  the  promife  fweet  forget, 

He  dropt  into  thy  heart? 
Such  glad'ning  pow'r,  and  love  with  it> 

Thy  Hufoand  did  impart. 

Boil  thou  affect  his  dwelling-place, 

And  mak'rl  it  thy  repair ; 
Becaufe  thine  eyes  have  Cesn,  through  grace, 

Thy  Hufband's  glory  there  ? 

I  2  Doit 


ioo  Gospel     S-o-sbetj, 

Doftlove  his  great  appearing  day, 
And  thereon  mufe  with  joy  ; 

.1  dufky  fhades  will  fly  away, 
Thy  Huiband  death  deltroy  ? 

Doft  long  to  fee  his  glorious  face- 
Within  the  higher  orb, 

Where  humid  forrows  lofing  place, 
Thy  Hulband's  rays  abforb  ? 

Long'fl  to  be  free  of  ev'ry  fault, 

To  bid  all  fin  adieu  ? 
And  mount  the-  hill,  where  glad  theu  fhal,t 

Thy  Hulband's  glory  view  ? 

Life  where  it  lives,  love  where  it  loves, 

Will  moil:  defire  to  be. 
?uch  love-fick  longing  plainly  proves 

Thy  Hufband's  love  to  thee* 

What  is  it  befl  can  eafe  thy  plaint, 
Spread  morning  o'er  thine  ev'n? 

Is  his  approach  thy  heart's  content, 
Thy  Hufband's  pretence  heav'n  ? 

And  when  deny'd  this  fweet  relief* 

Canft  thou  aifert  full  well, 
His  hiding  is  thy  greateft  grief, 

Thy  Hulband's  abfence  hell? 

Let  thy  experience  be  difclos'd; 

if  con fcience  aofwer  Yea 
To  all  the  queries  here  propos'd*. 

Thy  Hufband's  thine  foray. 

Pertain  thefe  characters  to  thee  ? 

Then,  foul,  begia  and  praife 
His  glorious  worthy  name,  for  he 

Thy  Huiband  is  always. 


SECT:, 


Part  II.  The  Believers  Jointure,  loi 

SECT.     V. 

The  true  believer'/  humility,  depen dance,  zeal, 
growth,  admiration  of  free  grace,  and  knowledge 
of  Christ'j  'voice,  -     , 

PErhaps  a  faint  may  figh  and  fay, 
ei  I  fear  I'm  yet  to  learn 
"'Thefe  marks  of  marriage-love."     Yet  Hay, 
Thy  Hufband's  bowels  yearn. 

Though  darknefs  may  thy  light  obfcure, 

And  ftorms  furmount  thy  calms, 
Bay  yield  to  night,  and  thou  be  poor, 

Thy  Huiband  yet  has  aims. 

Doll  fee  thyfelf  an  empty  brat, 

A  poor  unworthy  thing, 
With  heart  upon  the  dull  laid  flat? 

Thy  Huiband  there  does  reign,   • 

Art  in  thine  own  eiteem  a  beafi,  - 
And  doil  thyfelf  abhor  ? 
.  The  more  thou  hail  of  felf-diilafte, 
Thy  Huiband  loves  thee  more. 

Can  hell  breed  no  fuch  wicked  elf/ 

As  thou  in  thine  own  fight  ? 
Thou 'ft  got,  to  fee  thy  filthy  felf, 

Thy  Huiband's  purefc  light, 

Canfl  find  no  names  fo  black,  fo  vile> 

With  which  thou  wouldft  compare. 
But  call'ft  thyfelf  a  lump  cf  hell? 

Thy  Huiband  calls  thee  fair. 

When  his  kind  vifits  make  thee  fee " 

He's  precious,  thou  art  vile, 
Then  mark  the  hand  of  God  with  theCj 

Thy  Huiband  gives  a  fmile. 

I  3  He 


io2  (J  o  s  r  t  l    Sonnet: 

He  knows  what  viftts  fuit  thy  flate* 
And,  though  moft  rare  they  be, 

It  fets  thee  well  on  him  to  wait, 
Thy  Hulband  waits  on  thee. 

Dofl:  fee  thou  art  both  poor  and  weak? , 
And  he  both  full  and  {hong  ? 

O  don't  his  kind  delay*  miflakc, 
Thy  Hufband  comes  ere  long*- 

Though,  during  Sinai's  ftormy  day, 
Thou  dread'ft  the  difmal  blaft, 

And  fear'ft  thou  art  a  caft-away, 
Thy  Hulband  comes  at  lail. 

The  glorious  Sun  will  rife  apace, 
And  fpread  his  healing  wings, 

In  fparkling  pomp  of  fov'reign  grace, 
Thy  Hulband  glidnefs  brings. 

Canft  thou,  whate'er  mould  come  of  thee, 

Yet  wim  his  Zion  well, 
And  joy  in  her  profperity  ? 

Thy  Hufband  loves  thy  zeal. 

Doft  thou  admire  his  love  to  fome, 
Though  thou  fhouldft  never  fhare  ? 

Mercy  to  thee  will  alfo  come, 
Thy  Hulband  hathto  fpare. 

Poor  foul !  doll  grieve  for  want  of  grace* 

And  weep  for  wan-t  of  love, 
And  J  ejus  feek'ft?  O  hopeful  cafe ! 

Thy  Hulband  lives  above. 

Rcgreting  much  thy  falling  fiiort, 

Doll  after  more  afpire  ? 
There's  hope  m  IJraH  for  thy  fort;, 

Thy  Hulband'*  thy  dcfire, 


Ait 


|Part  XL  *£**  Bttievafs  Jtinture.  I>5 

Art  thou  well  pleas'd  that  fov'reign  grace 

Through  Cbtrifi.  exalted  be  ? 
This  frame  denotes  no  hopelefs  cafe,  . 
Thy;  Hufoaad's  pleas'd  with  thee, 

Couldft  love  to  be  the  footftoo!  low, 

On  which  his  throne  might  rife, 
Its  pompous  grace  around  to  -ihow  ? ; 

Thy  Hatband  doe*  thee  prize. 

If  but  a  glance  of  his  fair  face 

Can  chear  thee  more  than  wine; 
Thou  in  his  loving  heart  haft  place,  % 

Thy  Hufband  place  in  thine. 

Dofl  make  his  blood  thy  daily  bath  ? 

His  word  and  «ath  thy  flay  1 
His  law  of  love  thy  lightfom  path  £7 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  way. 

All  things  within  earth's  fpacious  womb 

Doft  count  but  lofs  and  dung, 
For  one  fweet  word  in  ieafon  from 

Thy  Hufoand's  learned  tongue  ? 

Skill  to  difcern  and  know  his  voice 

From  wordsof  wit  and  art, 
Will  clearly  prove  thou  art  his  choke, 

Thy  Hufband  tliine  in  heart. 

The  pompous  words  that  fops  admire^ 

May  vagrant  fancy  fearV; 
But  with  feraphic  harmlefs  fat 

Thy  Huf&a&d's  burn  the  breaft, 


SECT, 


104.  Gospbl      S«NNK?S. 

SECT.     VI. 

True  believers  are  willing  to  be  tried  and  ex- 
amined. Comforts  arijing  to  them  from  Christ'.? 
ready  fupply,  realfympathy,  and  relieving  names > 
fuiting  their  needs. 

DOST  thou  upon  thy  trait'rous heart 
Still  keep  a  jealous  eye  ? 
Moll  willing  that  thine  inward  part 
Thy  Hufband  ftricliy  try  ? 

The  thieving  croud  will  hate  the  light, 

Leaft  flol'n  effects  be  mown  : 
But  truth  deiires  what's  wrong  or  righ 

Thy  Huiband  would  make  known. 

Doit  then  his  trying  word  await, 

Kis  fearching  doctrine  love  ?  . 
Pond,  left  thou  err  through  felf-deceit,  ■ 

Thy  Huiband  would  thee  prove? 

Does  oft  thy  mind  with  inward  (mart 

Eewail  thy  unbelief? 
And  confcious  fue  from  plagues  of  hear: 

Thy  Hufband  for  relief? 

Why  doubt'ft  his  love  ?  and  yet  behold,  , 

With  him  thou  wouldft  not  part 
For  thoufand  thoufand  earths  of  gold;. 

Thy  Huiband  has  thy  heart. 

Though  darknefs,  deadnefs,  unbelief, 

May  ail  thy  foul  attend ; 
Light,  life,  and  faith's  mature  relief,   . 

Thy  Hufband  has  to  fend. 

Of  wants  annoying,  why  complain  ?  - 

Supply  arifes  hence, 
What  gifts  be  has  receiv' *d 'for  men, 

Thy  Hufband  will  difpenfe. 

He 


Part  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure.  io; 

He  got  them  in's  exalted  ftaie 

For  rebels  fuch  as  thou  ; 
All  then  that's  needful,  good',  or  great, 

Thy  Hufband  will  allow. 

Thy  wants  he  fees,  thy  cries  he  hears ; 

And,  marking  all  thy  moans, 
He  in  his  bottle  keeps  thy  tears, 

Thy  Hufband  notes  thy  groans, 

All  thine  infirmities  him  touch. 

They  flrike  his  feeling  heart; 
His  kindly  fympathy  is  fuch, 

Thy  Huiband  rinds  the  fmart. 

Whatever  touches  thee  affects 

The  apple  of  his  eye  ; 
Whatever  harms,  he  therefore  checks, . 

Thy  Hulband's  aid  is  nigh*. 

If  foes  are  fpar'd,  thy  need  is  fuch; 

He  flays  them  but  in  part : 
He  can  do  all,  and  will  do  much, 

Thy  Hufband  a&s  by  art. 

He  often  for  the  faddeft  hour.. 

Referves    the  fweetefl  aid :  • 
See  how  fuch  banners  heretofore 

Thy  Huiband  has  difplay'd. 


Mind  where  he  vouched  his  gocd- 
' Sometimes  at  Hcrmon  *  mount, 

In  Jordan  land,  at  Mizar  hill ; 
Thy  Hufband  keeps  the  count 

At  fundry  times,  and  divers  ways,. 

To  fait  thy  various  frames, 
Haft  feen,  like  rifmg  golden  rays, 
Thy  Haftand's  carious  name?,. 

*  P/aL  vlii.  6- 


w 


Wht 


io6  Gospel     Sonnet; 

When  guilty  confcience  gaftly  flar'd, 

Jkhovah-tsidken-u  -(-, 
The  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs  appear'd, 

Thy  Hufband  in  thy  view. 

When  in  thy  ftraits  or  wants  extreme. 

Help  fail'd  on  ev'rv  fide, 
Jehovah-jireh  J  was  his  name, 

Thy  Hufoand  did  provide. 

When  thy  long  abfent  Lord  didfl  mone, 

And  to  his  courts  repair ; 
Then  was  Jehovah-shammah  ||  known, 

Thy  Hufband  prefent  there. 

When  thy  afTaulting  foes  appear'd 

In  robes  of  terror  clad, 
Jehovah-nissi  *  then  was  rear'd, 

Thy  Hulband's  banner  fpread. 

When  furies  arm'd  with  fright'ning  guilt, 

Dun'd  war  without  furceafe ; 
Jehovah-shalom  §  then  was  built, 

Thy  Hufband  fent  thee  peace. 

When  thy  difeafes  death  proclaim'd, 

And  creature-balibms  fail'd, 
Jehovah-rophi  <fl  then  was  fam'd.,  - 

Thy  Hufband  kindly  heal'd. 

Thus,  as  thy  various  needs  require, 

In  various  modes  like  thefe, 
The  help  that  fuits  thy  heart's  defire  - 

Thy  Hulband's  name  conveys. 

To  th'  little  flock,  as  cafes  vary, 
The  great  Jehovah  fhews 

Himfelf 
f  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  %  Gen.  xxii.  14.  H  Ez.ek. 
xlviii.  35.     *  Exod.  xvii.  15.     §  Judg,  vi.    24- 


.  ? a k t  II .  The  Believer's  Jointure,  iqj 

Himfelf  a  little  fantfuary  *, 

Thy  Hufband  gives  the  views. 

SECT.     VII. 

■.■The  believers- experience  of  Christ'j  com- 
fortable prefence,  or  of  former  comforts,  to  be 
improved  for  his  encouragement  and  fupport  un- 
der darknefs  and  hidings. 

"T^V  OST  mind  the  place,  the  fpot  of  land, 

\j  Where  Jejus  did  thee  meet  ? 
And  how  he  got  thy  heart  and  hand  ? 

Thy  Hufband  then  was  fweet. 

Doft  mind  the  garden,  chamber,  bank3 

A  vale  of  vifion  feem'd  ? 
Thy  joy  was  full,  thy  heart  was  frank, 

Thy  Hufband  much  efteem'd. 

Let  thy  experience  fweet  declare, 

If  able  to  remind ; 
A  Bochim  here,  a  Bethel  there, 

Thy  Hufband  made  thee  find. 

Was  fuch  a  corner,  fuch  a  place, 

A  Paradife  to  thee, 
A  Peniel,  where  face  to  face 

Thy  Hufoand  fair  didft  fee  f 

Tl    *°e  did  he  clear  thy  cloudy  cauie, 

Thy  doubts  and  fears  deftroy; 
And  on.  thy  fpirit  feaPd  he  was 

Thy  H  ufband  with  great  joy  ? 

Couldfl  thou  have  faid  it  boldly  then., 

And  feal'd  it  with  thy  blood  ? 
Yea,  welcome  death  with  pleafure,  when 

Thy  Hufband  by  thee  flood? 

*  Ezek.  xi.  1 6, 


t<s%  (JosPiL     Sonnet 

That  earth  again  fhould  thee  infoare, 
O  how  thy  heart  was  pain'd  I 

For  all  its  fading  glory  there 
Thy  Hufband's  beauty  flain'd. 

The  thoughts  of  living  more  in  fin 
Were  then  like  hell  to  thee; 

The  life  of  heav'n  did^  thus  begin, 
Thy  Hufband  fet  thee  free. 

Whate'er  thou  foundft  him  at  thy  beit, 

He's  at  thy  worit  the  fame ; 
And  in  bis  love  will  ever  rejiy 

Thy  Hufband  holds  his  claim. 

Let  faith  thefe  vifits  keep  in  ftore, 
Though  fenfe  the  pleafure  mifs  J 

The  God  of  Bethel,  ■  as  before, 
Thy  Hufband  alwaysis. 

In  meas'ring  his  approaches  kind, 

And  timing  his  defcents ; 
In  free  and  fov'reign  ways  thou'lt  find 

Thy  Hufband  thee  prevents. 

Prefcribe  not  to  him  in  thy  heart, 

He's  infinitely  wife. 
How  oft  he  throws  his  loving  dart. 

Thy  Hufband  does  farprife. 

Perhaps  a  fudden  gale  thee  bleft, 
While  walking  in  thy  road ; 
Or  on  a  journey,  ere  thou  wilt, 
Thy  Hufband  look'd  thee  broad. 

Thus  was  the  Eunuch  fara'd  (his  flage 

A  riding  on  the  way, 
As  he  revolv'd  the  facred  page) 

Thy  H ufband's  happy  prey .  j 


Fart  II.  The  Belirttt?s  Jointure  -itf* 

In  hearing,  reading,  fmging,  pray'r, 

When  aarknefs  compafs'd  thee, 
Thou  foundft,  or  e'er  thou  waft  aware, 

Thy  Hufband's  light'ning  free. 

Of  heav'nly  gales  don't  meanly  think; 

For,  though  thy  foul  complains, 
They're  but  a  fhort  and  palling  blink  5 

Thy  Hufband*s  love  remains. 

Think  not,  though  breezes  hafte  away, 

Thou  doft  his  favour  lofe; 
'But  learn  to  know  his  fov'reign  way, 

Thy  Hufband  comes  and  goes. 

Don't  fay  he's  gone  for  ever,  though 

His  vifits  he  adjourn ; 
'For  yet  a  little  while,  and lo, 
Thy  Hufband  will  return. 

In  wormip  focial,  or  retir'd, 

Doll  thou  his  abfence  wail  ? 
Wait  at  his  more,  and  be  not  fear'd, 
Thy  Hufband's  fhip's  a-fail. 

Yea,  though  in  duties  fenfemay  mifs 

Thy  foul's  beloved  One ; 
Yet  do  not  faint,  for  never  is 

Thy  Huiband  wholly  gone. 

Though  Satan,  fin,  earth,  hell  at  once, 

Would  thee  of  joy  bereaye ; 
Mind  what  he  faid,  he  won't  renounce, 

Thy  Hufband  will  not  leave. 

-Thoagh  foes  anail,  and  friendmip  fail,, 

Thoa  hall  a  friend  at  court ; 
The  gates  of  hell  flfall  ne'er  prevail? 

Thy  Hufband  i?  thy  fort, 


no  Gospel    Sonnet 

SECT.    VIII. 

Comfort  to  BELIEVERS  from  the  ft  ability  of  the 
promife,  not'withftanding  hea*vy  ehaftifements  for 
>• 

TAke  well  howe'er  kind  Wifdom  may 
Difpofe  thy  prefent  lot ; 
Though  heav'n  and  earth  mould  pafs  away, 
Thy  Hufband's  love  will  not. 

All  needful  hejp  he  will  afford, 

Thou  haft  his  vow  and  oath ; 
And  once  to  violate  his  word 

Thy  Hufband  will  be  loth. 

To  fire  and  floods  with  thee  he'll  down, 

His  promife  this  infures, 
Whofe  credit  cannot  burn  nor  drown : 
Thy  Hufband's  truth  endures. 

Doft  thou  no  more  his  word  believe* 

As  mortal  man's,  forfooth  ? 
O  do  not  thus  his  Spirit  grieve, 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  Truth. 

Though  thou  both  wicked  art  and  weak, 

His  word  he'll  never  rue ; 
Though  heav'n  and  earth  mould  blend  and  break; 

Thy  Hufband  wiH  be  true. 

Pll  never  leave  thee,  is  his  vow ; 

If  Truth  has  faid  the  word, 
While  truth  is  truth,  this  word  is  true. 

Thy  Hufband  is  the  Lord. 

Thy  covenant  of  duties  may 

Prove  daily  moil  unfure : 
His  covenant  of  grace  for  ay 

Thy  Hufband  does  fecure. 

Do£ 


Fart  II,  The  Believer's    Jointure.         1 1 1 

Doft  thou  to  him  thy  promife  break, 

And  fear  he  break  to  thee  ? 
Nay,  not  thy  thoufand  crimes  can  make 

Thy  Hufband  once  to  lye. 

He  vi/it  'will  thy  fits  whbjtrokes, 

And  lift  his  heavy  hand ; 
But  never  oece  his  word  revokes, 

Thy  Huiband's  truth  will  ftand, 

Then  dream  not  he  is  chang'd  in  love, 

When  thou  art  chang'd  in  frame ; 
Thou  mayft  by  tv.rns  unnumber'd  move? 

Thy  Hufband's  ay  the  fame* 

He  for  thy  follies  may  thee  bind  - 

With  cords  of  great  diflrefs; 
To  make  thee  mone  thy  fins,  and  mind 

ThyHufband's  holinefs. 

By  wounds  he  makes  thee  feek  his  cure; 

By  frowns  his  favour  prize; 
By  falls  affrighting,  Hand  more  furer-, 

Thy  Hufband  is  fo  wife.'. 

Proud  Peter  in  the  dirt  of  vice 

Fell  down  exceeding  low ; 
His  tow'ring  pride,  by  tumbling  thnce,  - 

Thy  Hufband  cured  fo. 

Before  he  fuffer  pride  that  fwells, 

He'll  drag  thee  through  the  mire* 
Of  fins,  temptations,  little  hells-^ 

Thy  Hufband  faves  by.  fire. 

He  in  affliction's  mortar  may 

Squeefe  out  old  Adam\  juice. 
Till  thou  return  to  him,  and  fay.. 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  choice, 


F£«* 


1,12  SOSUL       SONNkT* 

Fierce  billows  may  thy  ve/Tel  tofs, 

And  croffes  curfes  feem ; 
£ut  that  the  curfe  has  fled  the  crofs. 

Thy  Hulband  bids  thee  deem. 

Conclude  not  he  in  wrath  difowns, 

When  trouble  thee  furrounds ; 
Thefe  are  his  favourable  frowns, 

Thy  Huiband's  healing  wounds. 

Yea,  when  he  gives  the  deepefl  lam, . 

Love  leads  the  wounding  hand : 
His  ftroke,  when  fin  has  got  a  dam, , 

Thy  Hufband  will  remand. 

SECT.    IX. 

Comfort  to  believer!, .  in  Christ'.*  relations,  in  his 
dying  love,  his  glory  in  heaven,  to  *which  he  vjill 
lead  them  through  death,  cndfufply  with  all  ne- 
cejfaries  by  the  voay. 

BEhold  the  patrimony  broad 
That  falls  to  thee  by  line ; 
In  him  thou  art  an  heir  of  God,. 
Thy  Hufband's  Father's  thine. 

He  is  of  relatives  a  (lore, 

Thy  friend  will  help  in  thrall ; 
Thy  brother  much,  thy  father  mere. 

Thy  Hufband  moil  of  all. 

All  thefe  he  does  amafs  and  marc, 

In  ways  that  mod  excel : 
5Mong  ail  the  huibands  ever  were> 

Thy  Hufband  bears  the  bell. 

Whence  run  the  fireams  of  all  thy  good, .. 

But  from  his  pierced  fide  r 
With  liquid  gold  of  precious  blood 

Uhy  Hulband  bought  his  bride, 


Part -II.  The  Believes  Jointure*         \\\ 

His  blood  abundant  value  bores 

To  make  his  purchafe  broad2 
'Twas  fair  divinity  in  gore, 

Thy  Hufband  is  thy  G©d. 

Who  purchas'd  at  the  higheft  price, 

Be  crown'd  with  higheft  praife  ; 
For  in  the  higheft  paradife 

Thy  Hulband  wears  the  bays. 

He  is  of  heav'n  the  comely  rofe, 

His  beauty  makes  it  fair ; 
Heav'n  were  but  hell,  couldft  thou  fuppofe 

Thy  Hufband  were  not  there, 

He  thither  did  in  pomp  afcend, 

His  fpoufe  along  to  bring ; 
That  Hallelujah's  without  end 

Thy  Hufoand's  bride  may  fing, 

Ev'n  there  with  him  for  ever  iix'd 

His  glory  malt  thou  fee ; 
And  nougkt  but  death  is  now  betwixt 

Thy  Huiband's  throne  and  thee, 

He'll  order  death,  that  porter  r&de, 

To  ope  the  gates  of  brafs ; 
For  lo,  with  characters  of  blood 

Thy  Hulband  wrote  thy  pafs,-    • 

At  Jordan  deep  then  be  not'fcar'd, 

Though  difmal-like  and  broad; 
.Thy  fun  will  guide,  thy  fhield  will  guards 

Thy  Hulband  pav'd  the  road, 

He'll  lead  thee  fafe,  and  bring  thee  home, 

And  ftill  let  bleffings  fall 
Of  grace  while  here,  till  glory  come ; 

Thy  Huiband's  bound  for    alJ, 

-K.  3  H'3 


114  GO  SPEC       So -N  NET 

His  (lore  can  anfwer  ev'ry  bill, 

Thy  food  and  raiment's  bought; 
Be  at  his  will,  thou'lt  have  thy  fill, 

Thy  Hufband  wants  for  nought. 

What  can  thy  foul  conceive  it  lacks  ?r 

His  ftore,  his  pow'r  is  thine; 
His  lib'ral  heart  to  lib'ral  acts 

Thy  Hufband  does  incline. 

Though  on  thy  hand,  that  has  no  might,. 

He  mould  thy  talk  enlarge  ; 
Nor  work,  nor  warfare,  needs  thee  fright, 

Thy  Huiband  bears  the  charge* 

Thou  wouldft  (if  left)  thyfelf  undo, 

So  apt  to  fall  and  dray  : 
But  he  uplifts,  and  leads  thee  too ; 

Thy  Huiband  knows  the  way. 

SECT.    X. 

Comfort  to  believers  from  the  text.  Thy  Maker 
is  thy  Huiband,  inserted  thus,  Thy  Huiband  is 
thy  Maker;  and  the  conclufion  of  this  fubjett  * 

OF  light  and  life,  of  grace  and  glore, 
In  Ckriji  thou  art  partaker. 
Rejoice  in  him  for  evermore, 
Thy  Huiband  is  thy  Maker. 

He  made  thee,  yea,  made  thee  his  brides 

Nor  heeds  thine  ugly  patch ; 
To  what  he  made  he'll  Hill  abide, 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  match. 

He  made  all,  yea,  he  made  all  thine,- 

All  to  thee  fhall  be  giv'n, 
Who  can  thy  kingdom  undermine?. 

Thy  Huiband  made  the  heav'n. 

What 


Part  II.  The  Believer's  Jointure* 

What  earthly  thing  can  thee  annoy? 

He  made  the  earth  to  be : 
The  waters  cannot  thee  deitroy, . 

Thy  Hufoand  made  the  fea. 

Don't  fear  the  flaming  element- 

Thee  hurt  with  burning  ire, 
Or  that  the  fcorehing  heat  torment  ? 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  fire. 

Ihfe&ious  fleams  mall  ne'er  deftroy^ 
While  he  is  pleas'd  to  fpare ; 

Thou  fhalt  thy  vital  breath  enjoy , 
Thy  Huftand  made  the  air, 

The  fun  that  guides  the  .golden  day, .  * 
The  moon  that  rules  the  night, 

The  ftarry  frame,  the  milky  way,  ., 
TJiy  Huiband  made,  for  light. 

The  bird  that  wings  its  airy  path3 . 

The  nfh  that  cuts  the  flood, 
The  creeping  croud  that  fwarms  beneath^ 

Thy  Huiband  made  for  good. 

The  grazing  herd,  the  beafrs  of  prey? 

The  creatures  great  and  fmall, 
For  thy  behoof  their  tribute  pay; 

Thy  Hufband  made  them  all. 

Thine's  Paul,  jfpelh's,  life  and  deat&, , 
Things  prefent,  things  to  be ; 

And  ev'ry  thing  that  being  hathJr 
Thy  Hufband  made  for  thee, 

In  Tophtt  of  the  damn'd's  refort 

Thy  foul  fnall  never  dwell; 
Nor  needs  from  thence  imagine  hnvty 

Thy  Huiband  formed  hell* 


Satsn 


II C  G  0  5  P   t  L       S  0   N  1 

Satan  with  inftruments  of  his 

May  rage,  yet  dread  no  evil ; 
So  far  as  he  a  creature  is, 

Thy  Hufband  made  the  devil, » 

His  black  temptations  may  ami<5t, 

His  fiery  darts  annoy ; 
But  all  his  works,  and  hellifh  trick, 

Thy  Hufband  will  deflroy. 

Let  armies  ftrong  of  earthly  gods 

Combine  with  hellifn  ghofts, 
They  live,  cr  languifh,  at  his  nods ; 

Thy  Hufband's  Lord  of  hofls. 

What  can  theehurt?  whom  doft  thou  fear, 

All  things  are  at  his  call,  • 
T-hy  Maker  is  thy  Hufband  dear, 

Thy  Hufeand  all  in  all. 

What  doft  thou  feek  ?  what  dofl  thou  want  ? 

He'll  thy  defires  fulfil ; 
He  gave  himfelf,  what  won't  he  grant? 

Thy  Hufband's  at  thy  will. 

The  more  thou  doft  of  him  defire, 

The  more  he  loves  to  give  : 
High  let  thy  mounting  aims  afpire, 

Thy  Huiband  gives  thee  leave. 

Thelefs  thoufeek'ft,  the  lefs  thou  dofl 

I  lis  bounty  fet  on  high  ; 
But  higheft  feekers  h-ere  do  mofl - 

Thy  Hufband  glorify, 

Wouldft  thou  have  grace?  Well;  but 'tis  mee; 

He  mould  more  glory  gain. 
Wouldft  thou  have  Father,  Son,  and  Sp'rit? 

Thy  Huiband  fays*  Amen. 


He'll 


Fart  II,  The  Belt  ever**  Jointure,         uj 

He'll  kindly  aft  the  lib'ral  God, 

Devifing  lib'ral  things ; 
With  royal  gifts  his  fubje£b  load!  i 

Thy  Hufband?s  King  of  kings* 

No  earthly  rapnarchs  have  fuch.  Jlo*£- 

As  thou  haft  ev'n  in  hand  j 
But  O  how  infinitely  inore 

Thy  Huiband  gives  on  band! 

Thou  haft  indeed  the  better  part* 

The  part  will  fail,  thee  never : 
Thy  Hufband's  hand,  thy  Huiband**  hearty 

Thy  Huiband's  all  for  ever, 


S&ENDef/vfcPOEM  #*■!£■  liv,  5* 


^ 
** 


GGSFSL 


GOSPEL  SONNETS 

O  R, 

SPIRITUAL  SONGS 

PART     III. 

3%e  Beliver's  Riddle  j 
O     R, 

The     MYSTERY     of     FAITH. 
The  PREFACE. 

Shewing  the  Ufe  and  Defign  of  the  Rid b lb, 

REader,  the  following  enigmatic  Jong 
Dots  not  to  wifejl  nafralifts  belong : 
Their  ivifdom  is  but  folly  on  this  head', 
They  here  may  ruminate ',  but  cannot  read. 
Par  though  they  glance  the  words,  the  meaning  chokes  J  - 
They  read  the  tines,  but  not  the  paradox.' 
The Jubjeft  -will,  however  thephrafe  be  blunt, 
Their  moft  accute  intelligence  Jurmount , 
If  with  their  natural  and  acquired  fght 
They  Jhare  not  di<vine  evangelic  light. 

Great  wits  may  roufe  their  fancies,   rack  their  brainsy 
And  after  all  their  labour  lofe  their  pains : 
Their  wrfcjl  comments  wer*  but  witlefs  chat, 
I  Jnapt  to  frame  an  explication  fat. 

m 


Part  01,  The  Befiever*s  Riddle  il* 

S'o  unregen9rate  mortal9:  heft  engines 

Zan  right  unriddle  thefe  few  rugged  lines  ? 

Her  any  proper  notions  thereof  reach, 

Though  fublimated  to  thekigheftftretch* 

Mafters  ofreajon,  plodding  men  offen/e, 

Who  /corn  to  mortify  their  vain  pretence, 

In  this  myfterious  deep  might  plod  their  fill  % 

It  overtops  the  top  of  all  their  JkitL 

The  mors  they  vainly  huff,  and  j corn  to  read, 

The  more  it  does  their  foolijh  wit  exceed. 

Thofefinners  that  are  fandify'd  in  part, 
May  read  this  riddle  truly  in  their  heart. 
Tea,  weakeft  faints  may  feel  its  trueft  fenfe, 
Both  in  their  fad  andfweet  experience. 
Don't  overlook  it  with  a  rambling  vievjg 
And*  rafh  fuppofe  it  neither  good  nor  true* 
Let  Heaven's, pure  oracles  the  truth  decide  l 
Renvunce  it,  if  it  can't  that  teft  abide. 
Noble  Bereans  foon  the  fenfe  may  hit, 
Who  found  the  divine  depth,  offacrtd  writ, 
Not  by  what airy.carna!  reafon  faith, 
But  by  the  golden  line  of  heav9  n-fpun  faith . 

Let  rot  the  naughty  phrafe  make  you  dijprove 
The  weighty  matter  which  deferves  your  love. 
High  fir  aim  would  fpoil  the  riddle9 s  grand  intent^ 
To  teach  the  weakeft,  moft  UUt* rate  faint, 
That  Mahanaim  is  bis  proper  name', 
In  whom  twoftruggling  hefts  make  bloody  game. 
That  fuch  may  knovj,  vjhofe  knowledge  is  but  rudet 
How  good  confifts  with  ill,  and  ill  vjith  good. 
That  faints  be  neither  at  their  worft  ncr  beft, 
Toe  much  exalted,  or  too  much  depreff. 

This  paradox  is  fitted  to  difclofe 
Thefkill  of  Zion's  friends  above  her  foes  % 
To  difference,  by  light  that  Heav9n  tranfmiis. 
Some  happy  fools  from  miferable  wits. 
And  thus  (ifblefs9d)  it  may  infime  degree 
Make  fools  their  vjit,  and  wits  their  folly  fee, 
Slight  not  the  riddle  then  like  jargon  vile, 
JBieayfe  not  garniftfd  wish  a  pempous  ftyle* 

Cmd 


\20  Gospel    -Sonnets, 

Could  th*  author  acl  the  lofty  poets  part, 
Who  make  their  fonnets Jo ar  on  wings  >j  \art. 
He  on  this  theme  had  blujtfd  to.uje  bisjkul, 
And  either  dipt  his  wings,  or  broke  his  quill. 

Why,  this  enigma  climbs fuch  divine  hnghtt 
As  /corn  to  be  adorned  with  human  JUghts. 
T  hefe  gaudy  flrains  would  lovely  truth  dijgracet 
As  purejl  paint  deforms  a  comely  j  ace* 
Heav'ns  myferies  are  'bo-ve  art's  ornament, 
hnmenfely  brighter  than  its  brighteji  paint* 
No  tow3  ring  literature  could  e'er  outwit 
The  plainefi  dicli  on  fetched from  f acred  writ  J 
By  'which  mere  blading  rhet'ric  is  outdone, 
As  twinkling  fiars  are  by  the  radiant  fun* 
The  Joaring  orators,  who  can  wit h  eafe 
Strain  the  quint effence  of  hyperboles, 
And  clothe  the  barefl  theme  with  purejl  drefs., 
Might  here  expatiate  much,  yet  fay  the  left, 
If W  th>  mcjeflical /implicit y 
Of/cripture~oraf*ry  they  difagree, 

Thefe  lines  pretend  not  to  ajfccl  the  fky, 
Content  among  in-glorious  jhades  to  lie* 
Provided/acred  truth  be  fitly  clad, 
Or  glorious /hine  ev*n  through  the  dufky  jkade. 
"Mark  then,  though  you  fbould  mijs  the  gilded  fir  ain^ 
If  they  aflore  of  golden  truth  <ontain: 
Nor  under-rate  a  jewel  rare  and  prime, 
Though  wrapt  up  in  the  rags  of  homely  rhime. 

Though  haughty  Deifts  hardly  fioop  to  fay, 
That  nature' s  night  has  need  of  fcripture-day  J 
Yet  gofpel-light  alone  will  clearly  fhew 
How)  e-v'ry  Jen  fence  here  is  jujl  and  true, 
Expel  thejhades  that  may  the  mind in<vofo( ', 
Andjoon  the  feeming  contradidion  jolve. 
All  fatal  errors  in  the  world  proceed 
From  want  of 'fkill  fuch  myfleries  to  read. 
Vain  men  the  double  branch  of  truth  divide, 
Held  by  the  one,  and  flight  the  other  fide* 

Hence  proud  Arminians  cannot  reconcile 
Freedom  of  grace  with  freedom  of  the  will* 


Part.  III.  The  Believes  BiddL  121 

The  ^W^/Papiit  won't  difcern  nor  fee 
How  'works  are  goody  unlefs  theyjuftify. 
Thus  Legalifts  difinguijh  not  the  odds 
Between  their  home-bredrighteoufnefs  and  God's, 
Antinomies  the faints perfefiion  plead, 
Nor  duly  fever  'tween  them  and  their  head* 
Socinians  won't  thefefeeming  odds  agree, 
How  heav'n  is  bought,  and yet falvaticn free. 
Bold  Arians  hate  to  reconcile  or  f can, 
How  Chrift  is  truly  God,  and  truly  man; 
Holding  the  onepartoflmmznutVs  name^ 
The  other  part  outrageoufly  hlafpheme. 
*1 'he 'found  in  faith  no  part  of  truth  control^ 
Heretics  own  the  half,  but  not  the  'whole. 
Keep  then  the  fncred  my  fry  fill entire  ; 
To  both  the  fides  of  truth  due  favour  bear? 
Not  quitting  one  to  hold  the  other  Branch  5 
But  pajjing  judgment  on  an  equal  bench. 
"The  riddle  has  two  feet,  and,  were  but  one 
Cut  off,  truth  falling  to  the  ground  were  gone* 
'Tis  all  a  contradiction,  yet  all  true, 
jind  happy  truth,   if '  verify' din  you. 
Go  forward  then  to  read  the  lines,  but  flay 
To  read  the  riddle  alfo  by  the  way. 


The 


The 


SECT.    I. 

The    my  ft  try   of  the  faints  pedigree,  and  efpecially     of 
their  relation  to  Christ^  wonderful  perfon. 

MY  life's  a  maze  of  Teeming  traps  (a), 
A  fcene  of  piercies.  and  miihaps  fbj ; 
A  heap  of  jarring  to-and-froes  fc'J, 
A  field  of  joys,  -a  flood  of  woes  (d). 

I'm 


(a)  Jojh.  xxiii.  13.  And  Jofhua  faid,  Know  for  a 
certainty,  that  the  Lord  your  God  will  no  more  drive 
out  any  of  thefe  nations  from  before  you;  but  they 
lhall  be  fnares  and  traps  unto  you,,  and  fcourges  in 
your  fides,  and  thorns-  in  your-  eyes,  13 V.  Pjal.  cxxiv. 
7.  Our  foul  is  efcaped  as  a  bird  out  of  the  fnare  of  the 
Jfowlers;  the  fnare  is  broken,  and  we  are  efcaped. 

(b)  Or  miferies,  Lam.  iii.  1 9.  Remembering  mine 
ufinction  and  my  mifery,  the  wormwood  and  the  gall. 
<v  21.  It  is  cfthe  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  con* 
fumed,  becaufe  his  companion  fail  not.  Pfal.  ci.  1 .  I 
will  fmg  of  mercy  and  judgment;  unto  thee,  O  Lord, 
will  I  fmg. 

(c)  Pfal.  cii.  10.  Thou  haft  lifted  me  up,  and  call 
me  down,  cif  cix.  23.  I  am  totted  up  and  down  as  the 
lecoft. 

(d)  Habak.  iii.  17.  18.  Although  the  fig  tree  mail 
not  bloflbna,  "neither  lhall  fruit  be  in  the  vines,  the  la- 
bour of  the  olive  mail  fail,  And  the  fields  fhall  yield  no 
meat,  the  flock  mail  be  cut  oft'  from  the  fold,  and 
there  lhall  be  no  herd  in  the  flails ;  yet  I  will  rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the  God  of  my  falvation. 


Part  III.  The  Believer**  Riddle,  125 

I'm  in  mine  own,  and  others  eyes, 

A  labyrinth  of  myfteries  (e). 

I'm  fomething  that  from  nothing  came  (£), 

Yet  fare  if  is  I  nothing  am  (g). 

Once  was  I  dead,  and  blind,-  and  lame  (h)t 
Yea,  I  continue  iiill  .the  fame  (i)  ; 

L  x  Yet 


(e)  If  viii.  18.  Beheld,  I,  and  the  children  whom 
the  Lord  hath  given  me,  are  for  figns,  and  for  won- 
ders-in  Ifrael ;  from'  the  Lord  of  holts,  which  dwelleth 
in  mount  Zion.  Zech.  iii.  8.  Hear  now,  O  Jofhua  the 
high  prieft,  thou  and  thy  fellows  that  fit  before  thee  ; 
for  they  are  men  wondered  at,  &c.  P/al.  lxxi.  7.1am 
as  a  wonder  unto  many;  but  thou  art  my  flrong  refuge, 

(/)■  Gen.  i.  1 .  In  the.  beginning  God  created  thG 
heaven  and  the  earth.  Heb. .' xi.  3.  Through  faith  >v® 
underftand  that  the  worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  0* 
■God,  fo  that-things  which  are  feen  were  not  made  of 
things  which  do  appear; 

(g)  If.  xi.  17.  All  nations  before  him  are  as  no- 
thing, and  they  are  counted  to  him  lefs  than  nothing, 
and  vanity.  Dan.  iv.  .35.  All  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  are  reputed  as  nothing. 

(h)  Eph.  ii.  1.  And  you  hath  he  quickened  who 
were  dead  in  trefpaifes  and  fins.  Re>v.  iii.  17.  Be- 
caufe  thou  fayft,  I  am  rich,  and  increafed  with  goods, 
and  have  need  of  .nothing ;  and  knoweit.  not  that  thou 
art  wretched,  and  miferable,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and 
naked.  If.  xxxv.  6.  Then  fhall  the  lame  man  leap  as 
an  hart,  and  the  tongue  of  die  dumb  fing:  For  in  the 
wildernefs  mail  -water*  break  out,  and.  ftreams  in  the 
defart. 

(i)  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpi- 
ritual;  but  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  «z/,  24.  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  fhall  deliver  me  from 
the  body  of  this  death! 


£24  Gospel     Sonnets, 

Yet  what  I  was,    I  am  no  more  fkjt 
Nor  ever  fhall  be  as  before  (I), 

My  father  lives  fmjy  my  father's  gone  (n}> 
My  vital  head  both  loft  and  won  (o). 
My  parents  cruel  are  and  kind  (pj9 
Of  one,  and  of  adiiPrent  mind  f^. 

My 
i-        i         ■  ii        i  I,  ,.  _— — 

(k)  Rom.  vii.  17.  Now  th«»,  it  is  no  more  I  that 
do  it,  but  fin  that  dwelleth  in  me.  <z>.  ac.  Now  if  I  do 
that  I  would  not,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but  fin 
that  dwelleth  in  me.  John  ix.  ■25.  He  [the  blind  man] 
anfwered  and  faid,.  Whether  he  be  a  firmer  or  no,  I 
know  not;  one  thing  I  know,  that  whereas  I  was 
blind,  now  I  fee, 

(I)  Rem.  xi.  29.  For  the  gifts  and  calling  of  God 
are  without  repentance.  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will 
make  an  cverlafting  covenant  with  them,  that  I  .will 
not  turn  away  from  them,  to  do  them  good ;  but  I  will 
put  my  fear  in  their  hearts,  that  they  fhall  not  depart 
from  me. 

(:::)  Jf.  ix,  6.  His  name  fhall  be  called— The  ever- 
lafling  Father.  Rev.  i.  18.  lam  he  that  liveth,  and 
was  dead ;  and  behold,  I  am  alive  for  evermore,  Amen. 

(n)  Hof.  xiv.  3.  In  thee  the  fatherlefs  findeth  mer- 
ry. Zech.  i.  5.  Your  fathers,  where  are  they  ?  and  the 
prophets,  do  they  live  for  ever  ? 

(c)   1  Cor.  KYi  45.  It  is- written,  The  firft  man  A- 
cbm  was  made  a  living  foul,  the  la-fl  Adam  was  made-* 
a  quickening  fpirit. 

(p)  Pfal.  ciii.  13.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  chil- 
dren, fo  the  Lord  pitiet-h  them  that  fear  him.  If.  :iii:. 
?j.  Thy  ftrft  fafchfep  hath imncd,  and  thy  teachers  have 
tranfgrefled  agamft  me. 

(r)  Job  xxiii.  13.  But  he  is  in  one  mind,  and  who 
can  turn  him  ?  and  what  his  foul  defireth,  even  that  he 
cloth.  Rok.  viii.  5.  For  they  that  arc  after  the  £efh,  do 
mind  the  things  of  the  flefh ;  but  they  that  arc  after  the 
Spirit*  .the  things  of  i he  Spirk    v*  6.  Recaufe  the  car- 


Part  III-  ^he  Belie u- erf Ri dale,  '  tl\ 

My-  father  poifoir  d  me  to  death  (r). 
My  mother's  hand  will  fcop  my  breath (f)  i 
Her  womb,  that  once  my  Jubilance  gave, 
Will  very  quickly  be  my  grave  (s) . 

My  fitters  all  my  Hem  will  eat  (/), 
My  brethren  tread  me  under  feet  (a) ; 
My  neareft  friends  are  moft  unkind  (-x/)? 

L  2    .  M* 


nal  mind  is  enmity  againft  God ;  for  it  is  not  fubjec>  to 
the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 

(f)  Rom.  v.  12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  un  en- 
tered into  the  world,  and  death  by  fin ;  and  fo  death 
pafled  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  finned. 

(/).  Gen.  iii.  1 6.  Unto"  the  woman  he  faid,  I  will 
greatly  multiply  thy  forrowand  thy  c®nception ;  in  for* 
row  thou  (halt  bring  forth  children,  &e.    ■ 

(/)  Pfal.  cxlvi.  4.  Kis  breath  goeth  forth,  he  return- 
ed!  to  his  earth  ;  in  that  very  day  his  thoughts  perifh, 
Ecd.  iii.  20.  All  go   unto  one  place,  all   are  of  the 
-    dull,  and  all  turn-to duft  again,— 

(/)  Job  xvii.  14; -I  have  faid  to  corruption,  Thou 
art  my  father ;  "to  the  worm,  Thou  art  my  mother,  and 
my  filler.  Chap,  xixv'26.  -And  though  after  my  fein, 
worms  deflroy  this  body,  yet  in  my  fiefh  mall  I  fee  God, 

(u)  EvcH7«  amoral fenfe,  jer.  xii.  10.  Alany  paf- 
tors  have  defrroyed  my  vineyard,  they  have  troden  my 
portion  under  foot,  they  have  made  my  pleafant  portion 
a  defolate  wildernefs/-  Ezek.  xxxiv.-  18.  Seemeth  it  a 
fmal-1  thing  unto  ycu,l-to  have  eaten  up  the  good  paf~ 
ture,  but-ye  muft  tread  down  with  your  feet  the  refi- 
due  of  ycur  paftures  ?  and  to  have  drunk  of  the  deep 
waters,"  but  ye  muft' foul  the  refidue  with  your  feet? 

(v)  Pfal.  lv.  12.  13.  For  it  was  not  an  enemy  that 
reproached  me,  then  I  could  have  borne  it ;  neither  was 
it  he  that  hated  me,  that  did  magnify  himfelf  againft 
me,  then  I  would  have  hid  my fe If  from  him.  But  it 
was  thou,  a  man,  mine  equal,  my  guide,  and  mine- 
ac^uaimance,  Micah  vii.  5.  6.  Truft   ye  not  in    a* 

friend^ 


1*6  Gosni      St>  tf  NET 

My  greater  foe's  my  greatefl  friend  (-ir). 

He  could  from  feud  to  friendfhip  pafs; 

Yet  never  change  from  what  he  was  (*■). 

He  is  my  Father*  he  alone. 

Who  is  my  Father's  only  Son  {  v). 

I  am  his  mother's  fon  (z),  yet  more, 

A  fon  his  mother  (a)  never  bore :  But 


friend,  put  ye' not  confidence  in  a  guide:  keep  the* 
doors  of  thy  mouth  from  her  that  lieth  in  thy  bofom. 
For  the  fon  dimonoureth  the  father,  the  daughter  rifeth. 
up  ajpainfi  her  mother,  the  daughter  in  law  againfr.  her 
mother  in  law ;  a  man's  enemies  are  the  men  of  his  own 
houfe. 

(ay)  Pfal.  vii.'n.  God   is  angry  with  the   wicked 
every  day.   2  Cor.  v.    \q.  Sod  was  in  Chriit,  reconci-  • 
ling  the  world  uato  himfelf,  not  imputing  their  tref- 
pafles  unto  them. 

-(.v)  Mai.  iii.  6.  For  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not: 
Therefore  ye  fon?  of  Jacob  are  not  confumed.#i?A  xiv. 
4.  I  will  lieal  their  back-flidang,  I  will  love  them  free-  • 
iy ;  for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him. 

00  Jc-n  xx«  l7-  Jefus  faith  unto  her  [Mary], ... 
Touch  me  not,  for  I  am  not  yet  afcended  to  my  Fa- 
ther, but  go  to  my  brethren,  and  fay  unto  them,  I  af-  - 
*  end  unto  my  Father  and  your  Father,  and  to  my  God 
;md  your  God.  If.  ix.  6.  Unto  us  a  fon  is  given— > 
and  his  name  mail  be  called — The  everialting.  Father. 
John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  fieih,  and  dwelt 
among  us  [and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of 
the  only  begotten  of  the  Father]  full  of  grace  and  truth. 

(z)  Song  Hi.  4.  It  was  but  a  little  that  I  paffed  from 
tkein,  but  I  found  him  whom  my  foul  loveth  :  I  held- 
•am,  and  would  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had  brought 
him  into  my  mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chamber  of 
her  that  conceived  me.  *u.  1 1.  Go  forth,  O  ye  daugh- 
ters of  Zion,  and  behold  king  Solomon  with  the  crown 
wherewith  his  mother  crowned  him  in  the  day  ef  his 
efpoufals,  and  in  the  day  of  Uje  gladnefs  of  his  heart. 

(a)  -Viz.  His  natural mothir  according  to  the fijb. 


FkRT  III,-         .      3fo  Bdkvtr's     BSdijie.  l?\ 

But  born  of  him  (3),  and  yet  aver 
His  father's  fons  my  mother's  were  (<•). 
I  am  divorc'd,  yetmarry'd  ftill  (</), 
With  full  ccnfent,  againft  my  .will  (e). 
My  Huiband  prefent  is  (/),  yet  gone  (g). 
We  differ  much,  yet  ftill  are  one  (h). 

He  is  the  firft,  the  lall,  the  all  (/), 
Yet  number'd  up  with  infects  fmall  (k) 
'  The  firft  of  all  things  (/),  yet  alone 
The  fecond  of  the  great  Three-one  («)..  A 

{h)  John  i.  13.  Which  were  born;  not  of.  blood,; 
no*  of  the  will  of  the  flelh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but 
of  God, 

(c)  Gal.  iv.  26.  But  Jerufalem  whic'his  above,  is. 
free,  which  is  the  mother  of  us  all." 

(d)  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ve  alfo 
are  become  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chriit;  that 
ye  fnould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is 
raifed  from  the  dead. 

(e)  Pfal.  ex.  5.  Thy  people  mail  be  willing  in  the 
day  of  thy  power. . 

(/)  Mattb.  xxviii.  20.  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 

(g)  Jbbnxiy.   2.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.. 

\b)  John  xvii.  21.  That  they  all  may  cbe  one,  as. 
thou,  Father,  art  in  me,  andlinth.ee;  that  they  alio 
may  be  one  in  us. 

(/)  Re-v.  i.  11.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omeea,  the  firft, 
and  the  I  aft.  Col.  iii.   i'i.  Chriit.  is  all,  and  in  all. 

(k)  Pfal.  7ixii.  5.  Bu  1 1  am  a  worm,  and  no  man. 

{/)  Col.  i.  15.  v6.  Who  is  the  image  of  the  invifi- 
ble  God,  the  iirftborn  of  every  creature  :  For  by  him 
were  ail  things  created  that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are 
in  earth,  vifible  and  invifible,  whether  they  be  thrones., 
or-  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers  :  All  things 
were  created  by  him,  and  for  him. 

\m)  1  John  v.  7.  For  there  are  three  that  bear  re- 
cord in  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy 

Ghoft; 


tit  GOSPEI      S  0  K  H  £  T  i 

A  creature  never  could  he  be, 

Yet  is  a  creature  ftrange  I  fee  («) ; 

And  own  this  uncreated  one. 

The  Son  of  man,  yet  no  man's  fon  (o), 

He's  omniprefent  all  may  know  (/) ; 
Vet  never  could  be  wholly  fo  (?). . 


His 


Ghoft;  and  thefe  three  are  one.  Mattb.  xxviii.  in. 
Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them 
in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghoft. 

(/;)  John  i.  i.  2.  3.  In  the  beginning  was  the 
Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word 
was  God.  The  fame  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
All  things  were  made  by  him ;  and  without  him  was 
not  any  thing  made  that  was  made.  *v.  14.,  And  the 
Word  was  made  fleih,  and  dwelt  among  us.  [and  we 
beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of 
the  Father]  full  of  grace  and  truth.  '■ 

(0)  Mattb.  i.  23.  Behold,  a  virgin  mall  be  with 
child,  and  Ihall  bring  forth  a  fon,  and  they  (hall  call 
his  name  Emmanuel,  which  being  interpreted,  is, 
God  with  us.  Luke  1.  34.  35.  Then  faid  Mary  unto 
the  angel,  How  lhall  this  be,  feeing  I  know  not  a 
man  ?  A  nd  the  angel  anfwered  and  faid  unto  her,  The 
Holy  Ghoft  (hall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power  of  the 
Higheil  ihall  overfhadow  thee;  therefore  alfo  that  holy 
thing  which  mall  be  born  of  thee,  fhall  be  called  the 
Son  of  God. 

(p)  Pfah  exxxix.  7.  8.  9.  10.  Whither  mall  I  go 
from  thy  fpirit?  or  whither  fhall  I  flee  from  thy  pre- 
fence?  If  I  afcend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there;  if 
I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  behold,  thou  art  there.  If  I 
take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dwell  in  the  utter- 
mod  parts  ofthefea;  even  there  mail  thy  hand  lea  J 
me,  and  thy  right  hand  fhall  hold  me. 

(?)  Luke  xxiv.  6,  He  is  not  here,  butis  rifen. 


Part.  III.  The  Believer's   Riddle.  1 29 

His  manhood  is  not  here  and  there  (r), 
Vet  he  is  God-nwn  ev-ry  where  (/}. 

He  comes  and  goes,  none  can  .him,  trace  (.')  ) 
Yet  never  could  he  change  his  place  (/). 
But  though  he's  good  («),  and  everywhere, 
No  good's  in  hell,  yet  he  is  there  ( -v) , 


I  by  hirnj^vj^  in  him  (x)  chofen  was  (y)-. 
Yet  of  the  choice  he's  not  the  caufe  (z)  : 


For 


(r)  John.xvi.  16.  A  little  while  and  ye JhaU  not  (be 
me ;3  ar>d .again,  a  little  whUe  and  ye  fhall  fee  me,  be- 
c:uife  I  go^  the  Father 

(/)  Mat±h*  i.  13.  Sei latex  (0.).  Chap*  xxviii.  20, 
Lo,  I  am  with  you-alway  even  unto-  the  end  of  the 
world. 

(s)  Jdkx'iiu  8.  The  wind  bloweth  w&sreit  iifteth, 
and  thou  heareft  the  Consul  thereof,  butcanit  not  tell 
whence  it.  eometh,  and  "whither  it  goetk;  fo  is  every 
one  that  is  barn  of  the  Spirit. 

(0  If  lx.vL  1.  Thus  faith  the  Lorn*,  The  heaven 
is  my  throne,  and  the  earth  is  my  footflaol,  where  is 
the  houfe  that  ye  build  uato me?  and  .where  is  th© 
place  of  my  rdbi 

(a)  Pfal.  c.  5.  The  Lord  is  good ;  his  mercy  is  e- 
verlaitirtg. 

(f)  PfaL  cxxxix.  8.  If  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  be- 
hold, thou  art  there-* 

(*u)  as  God. 

(x)  as  Mediator. 

(_>■)  Eph.  i.  4.  According  as  he  hath  chofen  us  in 
him,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  that  we 
mould  be  holy,  and  without  blame  before  him  in  love. 

(z)  But  hiwj elf  the  Father's  firft   elect,  If  xlii.    i. 
Eehold  my  fervant  whom  I  upjiold,  my  elect  in  whom 
my  foul  delighteth.  Matth.  xii.    18.  Eehold,  my  fer- 
vant whom  I  have  chofen,  my  beloved  in  whom   my  . 
foul  is  well  pleafed,.  ' 


j>  G  e  8-p-jb  »•     Sonnets* 

For  fov'reign  mercy  ne'er  was  bought  in), 

Yet  through  his  blood  a  vent  it  fought  (£). 

In  him  concenter'd  at  his  death 

His  Father's  love  (c),  his  Father's  wrath  (J) : 

Sv'n  he  whom  parTion  never  feiz'd  (e), 

Was  then  moll  angry,  when-  moft  piea*'d  (/) .  • 

Juflice  requir'd-  that  he  mould  die\(^), 

Who 

(<?)  John  iii.  i6.  God  fo  loved  the  world,  that  he 
gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  fcfr.  Rom.  ix.  1 1 .  For 
the  children  being  not  yet  born,  neither  having  done 
any  good  or  evil,  that  the  purpofe  of  God  according 
to  erection  might  ftand,  not  of  works,  but  of  him  that 
calleth.  kf,  13.  It  is  written,  Jacob  have  I  lovCd,  but 
Efau  have  I  hated,  v.  15.  God  faith  to  Mofes,  I  will 
have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will 
have  companion  on  whom  I  will  have  companion. 

(6)  Rom,  iii.  24.  25.  Being  j unified  freely  by  his 
grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrifb; 
whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
f;uth  in  his  blood,  to  declare  hi&righteoufnefs  for  the 
remiftorToi" frns,  *Je.  ChapTv.  9.  Being juftified  by 
his  blood,  we  fnall  befaved  from  wrath  through  him. 
«z>.  2 j.  That  as  fin  hatfh  reigned  unto  death,  even  fo 
might  grace  reign  through  righteoufnefs  unte  eternal 
life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

(c)  John  x.  17.  Therefore  doth  my  Father  love  me, 
becaufe  I  lay  down  my  life,  that  I  might  take  it  again. 

(d)  If.  liii.  10.  Yet  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  bruife 
him,  he  hath  put  him  to  grief. 

(e)  If.  xxvii.  4.  Fury  is  not  in  me. 

(/)"  Rom.  viii.  32.  He  fpared  not  his  own  Son,  but 
delivered  him. up  for  ut  all.  Eph.  v.  2,  Chrift  hath  gi- 
ven .umfelf  for  us,  an  offering  and  a  facrifice  to  God 
for  a  fweet-fmeliing  favour.  • 

(g)  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  fo  much  was  Jefus  made  a  fu» 
rety  of  a  better  teftament.  Chap.  ix.  16.  For  where  a, 
filament  is,  there  muft  alfo  of  .neceflity  be  the  death  of 

the 


Part  III.  The  Believer*:  Riddle.  *ji 

Who  yet-was  fla!n  unrighteoufly  (£),; 
And  dy'd  in  mercy  and  in  wrath, 
A  lawful  and  a  lawlefs  death  _(/), 

With  him  I  neither  liv'd  nor  dy'd, 
And  yet  with  him  was  crwcify'd  (k) . 
Law-curfes  ftoprhis  breath,  that  he 
Might  Hop  its  mouth  from  curfing  me  (/). 

sTis  now  a  thoufand  years  and  mo 
Since  heav'n  receiv'd  him ;  yet  I  know, 
When  he  afcended  up  on  high 
To  mount  the  throne,  ev'n  fo  did  I  (m). 

Hence 


the  teftator.  .*v.  22.  23.  And  almoft  all  things  are  by 
the  law  purged  with  blood;  and  without  fhedding  of 
blood  is  no  remiffion.  It  was  therefore  neceffary  that 
the  patterns  of  things  in  the  heavens  fhould  be  purified 
with  -thefe ;  but  'the  .heavenly  things  themfelves  with 
better  facri flees  than  thefe. 

(h)  Matth.  xxvii.  4.  I  [Juda?]  have  finned,  in  that 
I  have  betrayed  the  innocent  blood.  *v.  23.  And  the 
governor  faid,  Why,  what  evil  hath  he  done?  But 
they  cried  out  the  more,  faying,  Let  him  be  crucified. 

(/)  Affs  ii.  23.  Jefus  of  Nazareth,  being  delivered 
by  the  determinate  counfel  and  foreknowledge  of  God, 
ye  have  taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and 
ilain.  Chap.  iv.  27.  For  of  a  truth  againft  thy  holy 
child  jefus,  whom  thou  hall  anointed,  both  Herod  and 
Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people  of  Is- 
rael were  gathered  together,  cif c 

(k)  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  crucified  with  Chriit. 

(/)  Gal.  iii.  i3.'Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us;  for  it  is 
written,  Orfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree.  > 

(m)  CoL  iii.  1 .  If  ye  then  be  rifen  with  Chriit,  C5V. 
Heb.  vi.  20.  Whither  the  forerunner  is  for  us  entered, 
even  Jefus,  &c* 


32  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Hence,  though  earth's  dunghill  I  embrace, 
I  fit  with  him  in  heav'nly  place \n). 
In  divers  diftant  orbs  I  move, 
Inthraird  below,  inthron'd  above. 


SECT.     II. 

The  myftery  of  the  faint's  life,  fate,  and  frame. 


MY  life's  a  pleafure  (*)  and  a  pain  {b) ; 
A  real  lots,  a  real  gain  (<■)  j 
A  glorious  paradife  of  joys  {d)t 

A  grievous  prifon  of  annoys  [e]. 


I 


(n)  Eph.  li.  5.  6.  Even  when  we  were  dead  in  fins 
hath  quickened  us  together  with  Chriir,  and  hath  rai fed 
us  up  together,  and  made  us  fit  together  in  heavenly 
places  in  Chrift  Jefus= 

(*)  Prov.  iii.  17. 'Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleafant- 
nefs,  and  all  her  paths  are  peace. 

(£)  Pfal.  cxx  c.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  fojourn  in  Me- 
fech,  that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar. 

(r)  Phil.  iii.  7.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me, 
thofe  I  counted  lofs  for  Chrift.  Chap.  i.  si.  22.  23. 
24.  For  to  me  to  live  is  Chriil,  and  to  die  is  gain.  But 
if  I  live  in  the  fleib,  this  is  the  fruit  of  my  labour ;  •  yet 
what  I  fhallchufe,  I  wot  not.  Fori  am  in  aflrait  be- 
twixt two,  having  a  defire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with 
Chrift;  which  is  far  better :  Neverthelefs,  to  abide  in 
the  Hem,  is  more  needful  for  you. 

[d)  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  having  not  feen,  ye  love; 
in  whom  though  now  you  fee  him  net,  yet  believing, 
ye  rejoice  with  joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glory. 

{e}  Pfal.  cxlii.  7.  Bring  my  foul  out  cf  prifon,  that 
1  may  praife  thy  name. 


I*art   III.  The    Believer's  Riddle,  333 

I  daily  joy,  and  daily  mourn  (/"), 
Yet  daily  wait  the  tide's  return  (g) : 
Then  forrow  deep  my  fpirit  cheaps, 
I'm  joyful  in  a  flood  of  tears  {b) . 

M  Good 

1  —      - 

{/)  1  Pit.  i.  6.  Wherein 'ye  greatly  rejoice,  tho* 
now  for  a  feafon  [if  need  be]  ye  are  in  heavinefs  thro* 
manifold  temptations.  2  Cor,  i.  4.  Who  comforteth 
us  in  all  our  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able  to  com- 
fort them  which  are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfort 
wherewith  we  ourf  elves  are  comforted  of  God.  Job, 
xxx.  28".  I  went  mourning  without  the  fun,  £5r. 

{g\  If:  viii.  17.  And  I  will  wait  upon  the  Lord 
that  hideth  his  face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I 
will  look  for  him. 

[h)  Zech.  xii.  i<?.  And  I  will  pour  upon  the  houfe 
of  David,  and  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  the 
fpirit  of  grace  and  of  fupplications,  and  they  fhall  look 
upon  me  whom  they  have  pierced,  and  they  Ihall 
mourn  for  him, .as  one  mourneth  for  his  only  fon,  and 
mall  be  in  bitternefs  for  him,  as  one  that  is  in  bitternefe 
for  his  nrft-born.  E%ek.  xxxvi.  31.  32.  Then  mail  ye 
remember  your  own  evil  ways,  and  your  doings  that 
were  not  good,  and  ihall  lothe  yourfelves  in  your  own 
fight,  for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your  abominations. 
Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this,  faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it 
known  unto  you ;  be  amamed  and  confounded  for  your 
own  ways,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael.  Hof.  xii.  3.  4.  He 
[Jacob]  took  his  brother  by  the  heel  in  the  womb,  and 
foy  his  itrength  he  had  power  with  God;  yea,  he  had 
power  over  the  angel,  and  prevailed;  he  wept  and 
'  made  fupplication  unto  him  ;  he  found  him  in  Bethel, 
and  there  he  fpake  with  us.  Luke  vii.  38.  And  [a 
woman  which  was  a  finner]  flood  at  his  feet  behind 
him  weeping,  and  began  to  warn  his  feet  with  tears., 
and  did  wipe  them  with  the  hairs  of  her  head,  and  kif- 
fed  his  feet,  and  anointed  them  with  the  ointment. 
John  xx.  15.  16.  Jems  faith  unto  her,  Woman,  why 
weepeit  thou  ?  whom  feekeft  thou  ?  fhe  fuppofing  him 

to 


134  Gospel     Sonnets 

Good  caufe  I  have  Mil- to  be  fad  U)t 
Good  reafon  always  to  be  glad  (i). 
Hence  ftill  my  joys  with  forrows  meet  {l)r 
And  ftill  my  tears  are  bitter- fweet  (m)-. 

I'm  crofs'd,  and  yet  have  all  my  will  (») ; 
I'm  always  empty,  afways  full  (o). 
I  hunger  now,  and  thirfl  no  more   (p), 


Yet 


to  be  the  gardener,  faith  unto  him,  Sir,  if  thou  have 
borne  him  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  haft  laid  him, 
and  I  will  take  him  away.  Jefus  faith  unto  her,  Mary. 
She  turned  herfelf,  and  faith  unto  him,  Rabboni, 
which  is  to  fay,  Matter.  <v.  20.  Then  were  the  difci- 
ples  glad  when  they  fa w  the  Lord. 

(/)  Rom.  vii.  24.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who 
{hall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ! 

{k)  2  Cor.  ii.   14.  Thanks  be  unto  God,  which  al- 
ways caufeth  us  to  triumph  in  Chrift. 

(/}  2  Cor.  vi-  io.r— As  forrowful,yet  al way  rejoicing, 
(m)  Zech.  xii.  10.  See  letter  (h).  Pfal.  cxxvi.  5. 
They  that  fow  in  tears,  fhall  reap  in  joy.  If.  Ixi.  2.  3. 
The  Lord, hath  fent  me  to  comfort  all  that  mourn :  To 
appoint  unto  them  that  mourn  in  Zion,  to  give  unto 
them  beauty  for  allies,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the 
garment  of  praife  for  the  fpirit  of  heavinefs,  cifc. 
~$£atth.  v.  4.  Biefled  are  they  that  mourn :  for  they 
fhall  be  comforted. 

(»)  Luke  xxii.  42.  Father,  if  thou  be  willing,  re- 
move this  cup  from  me :  Neverthelefs,  not  my  will, 
but  thine  be  done.  ASts  xxi.  14.  And  when  he  [Paul] 
would  not  be  perfuaded,  we  ceafed,  faying,  The  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done. 

(c).  2  Cor.  vi.  10. — As  having  nothing,  and  ye 
poflefling  all  things. 

(j>J  John  vi.  35.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  I  an 

the  bread   of  life ;  he  that  cometh  to  me,  (hall  neve 

.  hunger;  and  he  that  believeth  on  me,  ihall  never  thirft 


?art  IIL  The  Believer's  RiddU. 

Yet  do  more  eager  than  before  (q)> 

With  meat  and  drink  in deed  I'm  bleft  frj, 
Yet  feed  on  hunger,  drink  on  thirft  (J). 
My  hunger  brings  a  plenteous  Here  (sjr* 


My 


(q)  Pjal.  xlii.  i.  2.  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the 
water-brooks,  fo  panteth  my  foul  after  thee,  O  God. 
My  foul  thirfteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God;  when 
mail  I  come  and  appear  before  God?  &  lxiii.  I.  O 
God,  thou  art  my  God,  early  will  I  feek  thee ;  my 
foul  thirfteth  for  thee,  my  flefh  longeth  for  t-hee  in  a  dry 
and  thirfty  land,  where  no  water  is.  £ff  lxxiii.  25. 
Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none 
upon  earth  that  I  defire  bendes  thee.  If.  xxvi.  8.  9. 
Yea,  in  the  way  of  thy  judgments,  O  Lord,  have  we 
waited  for  thee ;  the  defire  of  our  foul  is  to  thy  name, 
and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee.  With  my  foul  have  I 
deiired  thee  in  the  night,  yea,  with  my  fpirit  within  me 
will  I  feek  thee  early. 

(r)  John  vi.  55.  For  my  Hem  is  meat  indeed,  and 
my  blood  is  drink  indeed. 

(f)  Jobxxix.  2.3.4.  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months 
paft,  as  in  the  days  when  Godpreferved  me :  When  his 
candle  mined  upon  my  head,  and  when  by  his  light  I 
vyalked  through  darknefs  :  As  I  was  in  the  days  of  my 
youth,  when  the  fecret  of  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle. 
Pfal.  lxxvii.  10.  11.  12.  I  will  remember  the  years  of 
the  right  hand  of  the  molt  High.  I  will  remember  the 
works  of  the  Lord:  SurelyJ  will  remember  thy  won- 
ders of  old.  Twill  meditate  alfoofall  thy  work,  and 
talk  of  thy  doings.  Song  v.  8.  I  charge  you,  O  daugh- 
ters of  Jerufalem,  if  ye  find  my  beloved,  that  ye  tell 
him,  that  I  am  fick  of  love.  Chap.  viii.  1.  O  that 
thou  wert  as  my  brother  that  fucked  the  breafts  of  ray 
mother ;  when  I  mould  find  thee  without,  I  would 
kifs  thee,  yea,  I  mould  not  be  defpifed^ 

(s)  Mattb.  v.  6.  Bleffed  are  they  which  do  hunger 
and  thirft  after  righteoufnefs ;  for  they  mall  be  filled . 


*-3*5  GoiPEL     Sonnets.. 

My  plenty  makes  me  hunger  more  ft). 

Strange  is  the  place  of  my  abode, 

I  dwell  at  home,  I  dwell  abroad  fu). 

I  am  not  where  all  men  me  fee, 

Bat  wher*e  I  never  yet  could  be  f-v). 

I'm*  full  of  hell  fw),  yet  full  of  heav'n  fxj  ; 

Tm,  Hill  upright  (y),  yet  ftill'unev'n  fzj. 

Imperfect 

ft)  2  Cor.  v.  2.  For  in  this  we  groan  earneftly, 
deiiring  to  be  cloathed  upon  with  our  houfe  which  is 
from  heaven.  Phil,  i.  23.  For  I  am  in  a  fcrait  betwixt 
two,  having  a  defire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Chrilr ; 
which  is  far  better,  c5<r.  ttmgiv.  3.  4.  5.  I  fat  down 
under  his  fhadow  with  great  delight,  and  his  fruit  was 
fweet  to  my  tafte.  He  brought  me  to  the  banqueting- 
houfe,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  Stay  me  with 
flagons,  comfort  me  with  apples ;  for  I  am  fick  of  love* 

fu)  Job  iv.  19.  How  msch  left  in  them  that  dwell 
in  houfes  of  clay,  whofe  foundation  is  in  the  duft, 
which  are  crufhed  before  the  moth?  P/al.  xc.  1.  Lord, 
thou  hail  been  our  dwelling-place  in  all  generations. 
cjf  xci.  I.  He  that  dwelleth  in  the  fecret  place  of  the 
moft  High*  fhall  abide  under  the  fhadow  of  the  Al- 
mighty. 1  'John  iv.  16.  God  is  love;  and  he  that 
dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him. 

fv)  If.  xxxiii.  16.  He  (hall  dwell  on  high.:  His 
place  of  defence  faall  be  the  munitions  of  rocks.  Eph. 
ii.  6.  And  hath  raifed  us  up  together,  and  made  us  fit 
together  in  heavenly  places  in  Chilli  Jefus. 

{vuj  Eccl.  ix.  3.  The  heart  of  the  fens  of  men  is 
full  of  evil,  and  madnefs  is  in  their  heart  while  they 
live,  and  after  that  they  go  to  the  dead. 

fx)  Eph.  iii.  19.  And  to  know  the  love  of  Chrift, 
which  parTeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with 
all  the  fulnefs  of  God. 

fy)  P/al.  xviii.  23,  I  was  alfo  upright  before  hira  ; 
and  I  kept  myfelf  from  mine  iniquity. 

(as)  Ezek.  xviii.  25.  Hear  now,  O  houfe  of  Ifrael, 
Are  not  your  ways  unequal  ? 


Fart  ilR  The  Believer's  Riddle,  l 37 

Imperfect  (a)v  yet  a  perfect-faint  (I) ; 
I'm  ever-poor  (f),  yet  never  wane  (V). 

No  mortal  eye  fees  God-  and  lives  (e). 
Yet  fight  of  him  my  foul  revives  (f). 
I  live  belt  when  I  fee  moll  bright  (^J  ; 
Yet  live  by  faith,  and  not  by  light  (£)*' 

I'm 


(af  Re<v.  iii.' 2.  Be  watchful,  and  ftrengthen  the 
things,  which  remain,  that  are  ready  to  die;  for  I  have 
not  found  thy  works  perfect  before  God. 

{&)  i  Cor.  ii.  6.  Howbeit  we  fpeak  wifdom  among 
them  that  are  perfect,  &c, 

(c)  Pfal.  xl.  17.' But  I  am  poor  and  needy,  yet  the 
Lord  thinketh  upon  me*  -  • 

(d)  gate  xxiir.  1.  The  Lord  is  my  fliepherd,"  I 
mall  not  want,  &  xxxiv.  10.  The  young  lions  do  lack, 
and  fuffer  hunger;  but  they  that  feek  the  Lord  fhalb 
not  want- any  good  thing, 

(e)  Exod.  xxxiii.  20.  And  he  faid,-  Thou  canft  not* 
fee-my  face;  for  there  mall  no  man  fee  me,  and  live. 

if)  J°hn  vi.  40.- And  this  is  the;will  of  him  that 
fent  me,  that  every  one  which  feeth  the  Son,  and  be- 
lieveth  on  him,  may  have  everlafting  life.  Chap.  xx. 
20.  Then  were  the  difciples  glad  when  they  faw  the 
Lord,     - 

(g)  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But  we  all  with  open  face,-'be-  ' 
holding  as  in  a  glafsthe  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  chang'd 
into  the  &me  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Chap.  iv.  6.  For  God  who 
commanded  the  light  to  mine  out  of  darknefs,  hath 
mined  iii  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  know-  ' 
ledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jefus   Chrift. 

(b)  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  cruciiied  with  Chrilt :  Never  •  '- 
theiefs  I  live ;  yet  not  I,  but  Chriit  liveth  in  me ;  and 
the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flefh,  I  live  by  the  faith 
of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfelf 
for  me.  2  Cor,  v.  7.  For  we  walk  by  faith,  not  by 
fight. 


i**8  G  OS  fr-8  u      i  C  H  N  £  -i    i 


I'm  lib'ral  (i).  yet  have  nought  to  fpare  (k); 
Molt  richly  cioth'd  (ljy  yet  itriptand  bare  (m). 
My  ftock  is  rifen  by  my  tall  (») ; 
For,  having  nothing,  I  have  all  (g). 

I?m  fmful  f/»),  yet  I  have  no  fin  (q)\ 

-  ■  ■  "  i  i  - 1     1 1.  , 

(//  P/al.  xxxvii.  21.  The  wicked  borroweth,  and 
payeth  not  again;  but  the  righteous  (heweth  mercy, 
an4  giveth. 

(k)  Zepb.  Hi...  12.  I  will  alio  leave  in  the  midfl  of 
thee  aji  afflicted  and  poor  People,  and  they  fhall  trull  in 
:he  name  of  the  Lord. 

{I)  If.  lxi.  10.  I  will  greatly  rejoice  in  the  Lord, 
my  foul  fhall  be  joyful  in  my  God,forhe  hath  doathed 
me  with  the  garments  of  falvation,  he  hath  covered  me. 
with  the  robe  of  righteoufnefs,  as  a  bridegroom  deck- 
eth  himfelf  with  ornaments,  and  as  a  bride  adornoth 
herfelf  with  her  jev*  .Is. 

(m)  Ezek.  *vi.  7.  I  have  caufed  thee  to  multiply 
2.s  the  bud  of  the  field,  and  thou  halt  increafed  and 
waxen  great,  and  thou  art  come  to  excellent  orna- 
ments :  Thy  breafts  are  fafhioned,  and  thine  hair  is 
grown,  whereas  thou  wait  naked  and  bare.  Rev.  iii. 
17.  Becaufe  thou  fayft,  I  am  rich,  and  increafed  with 
goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing ;  and  knoweft  not 
that  thou  art  wretched,  and  miferable,  and  poor,  and- 
blind,  and  naked, 

In  J  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things 
work  together  for  goo»J,  to  them  that  love  God,  to 
:hem  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 

(0)  2  Cor.  vi.  1  o>--As  having  nothing,  and  yet  pof- 
feffing  all  things. 

(/)  Rem.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpirU 
tualj  but  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  <v*  24.  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  fhall  deliver  me  front 
the  body  of  this  death ! 

(q)  Num.  xxiii.  21.  He  hath  not  beheld  iniquity  in 
Jacob,  neither  hath  he  feen  pwverfenefs  in  Ifrael.  1 

Jobri, 


Fart  JIL  3^  Bdiever's  Riddl;.  13^ 

All  fpotted  o'er  fr^,  yet  wholly  clean  (/)*. 
Blacknefs  and  beauty  both  I  mare, 
A  helliih  black,  a  heav'nly  fair  {s). 

They're  of  the  dsv'U  who  fin  amain  (/-)  ; 
But  I'm  of  God,  yet  fin  retain  (7*) ; 
This  traitor  vile  the  throne  afTumes  (*>), 
Prevails,  yet  never  overcomes  (<u>), 


I'm  without  guile  an  1ft elite  (x)3 


Yet 


John  iii.  9.  Whofoever  is  born  of  God,  dcth  not  cob** 
mit  fin;  for  his  feed  remaineth  in  him;  and' he  cannot 
fin,  becaufe  he  is  born  of  God. 

(r)    Pfal.  xiv.  3.  They  are  all  gone  afide,  they  are 
all   together  become  filthy :  There  is  none  that  doth' 
good,  no  not  one,. 

(/)  Songiv. -7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  love,  there  is 
no  fpot  in  thee. 

(s)  Soxg  i,  5.  I  am  black,  but  comely,  O  ye  daugh- 
ters ofjerufalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the  curtains. 
of  Solomon. <u.  15.  Behold,  thou  art  fair,  my  love  $ 
behold,  thou  art  fair,  thou  haft  doves  eyes. 

(/)  1  John  iii.  8,  He  that  committeth  iin,  is  of  the* 
devil ;  for  the  devil  finneth  from  the  beginning. 

(a)  1  yobnu-t*  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin,  we 
deceive  ourfelves,  and the  truth  is  not  in  -us. 

(v)  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I  'fee  another  law  in  my? 
members,  warring  againft  the  law  of  my  mind,  and 
bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is 
in  my  members. 

(<&)  Pfal.  lxv.  3.  Iniquities  prevail  againft  me;  as 
for  our  tranfgreflions,  thou  malt  purge  them  away. 
Rom.  vi,  14.  For  fin  mall  not  have  dominion  over 
you ;  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

(x)  yohn  i.  47.  Jefus  faw  Nathanael  coming  to  him, 
and  faith  of  him,  Behold  an  Ifraelite  indeed,  in  whom 
is  no  guile.  PfaL  xxxii.  1.  BlefTedis  the  man  unto 
whom  the  Lord  imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  in  who& 
fpirit  thej^e  is  no  guile. 


14.0     '  G'O  JPEL       Z  0  N  N   E  7   3, 

Yet  like  a  guileful  hypocrite  (y) ; 
Maintaining  truth  in  th'  inward  part  (z)9 
With  falfehood  rooted  in  my  heart  (a). 

Two  mailers,  fure,  I  cannot  ferve  (6), 
But  muit  from  one  regardlefs  fwerve ; 
Yet  felf  is  for  my  mailer  known  (<:), 
And  J  ejus  is  my  Lord  alone  (d). 

I  feek  myfelf  incefTantly  (*), 


Yet 


&)  Pfil'  x*x'  l2'  Who  can  underiland  his  errors  ?■ 
cleanfe  thou  me  from  fecret  faults. 

(z)  Pfal.  li.  6.  Behold,  thou  defireft  truth  in-  the 
inward  parts ;  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou  malt  make 
me  to  know  wifdom* 

(a)  Mattb.  m.  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  e- 
vil  thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts, 
falie  witnefs,  blafphemies. 

(6)  Mattb.  vi.  24.  No  man  can  ferve  two  mailers ; 
for  either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other;  or 
elfe  he  will  hold  to  the  one,  and  defpife  the  other.  Ye 
cannot  ferve  God  and  mammon. 

(c )  Hof.  x.  1 .  Ifrael  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bringeth 
forth  fruit  unto  himfelf :  According  to  the  multitude  of 
his  fruit,  he  hath  increafed  the  altars ;  according  to  the 
goodnefs  of  his  land,  they  have  made  goodly '  images. 
Mattb.  xvi  24.  Then  /aid  Jefus  unto~ his  difciples,  If 
any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himfelf, 
and  take  up  his  crofs,  and  follow  me. 

(a7)  If.  xxvi.  13.O  Lord  our  God,  other  lords  be- 
fides  thee  have  had  dominion  over  us;  but  by  thee  on- 
ly will  we  make  mention  of  thy  name.  Jobn  xx.  28. 
And  Thomas  anfwered  and.faid  unto  him,  My  Lord 
and  my  God. 

(e)  James  iv.  3.  Ye  afk,  and  receive  not,  becaufe 
ye  aik  amifs,  that  ye  may  confume  it  upon  your  lulls. 
Jer.  xlv.  2.  5.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  the  God  of  Ifrael 
uato  thee,  O  Baruch,  And  feekeft  thou  great  things 

for 


Part  ITT.  The  Believer's  kttffie*  341 

Yet  daily  do  myfelf  deny  (/) . 
To  me  'tis  lawful  evermore 
Myfelf  to  love  and  to  abhor  (g) . 
In  this  vain  world  I  live,  yet  fee 
I'm  dead  to  it,  and  it  to  me  (h). 
My  joy  is  endlefs  (/),  yet  at  beft 
Does  hardly  for  a  moment  laft  (i). 

SECT, 


for  thyfelf  ?  feek  them  not ;.  For  behold,  I  will  bring 
evil  upon  all  fleih,  faith  the  Lord ;  but  thy  life  will  I 
give  unto  thee  for  a  prey  in  all  places  whither  thou  goeft, 

(0  Matth.  xvi.  24.  See  letter  (c) . 

(g)  Le<v.  xix.  18.  Thou  fhalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear 
any  grudge  againfl:  the  children  of  thy.  people,  but 
thou  fhalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf:  I  am  the 
Lord.  Epb.  v.  29.  For  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own 
fiefh;  but  nourimeth  and  cheriiheth  it>  even  as  the 
Lord  the  church.  John  xii.  25.  He  that  loveth  his  life, 
ihall  lofe  it;  and  he  that  hateth  his  life  in  this  world, 
mall  keep  it  unto  life  eternal.  Job  xlii.  6.  Wherefore 
I  abhor  myfelf,  and  repent  in  duft  and  aihes. 

(h)  Col.  iii.  3 .  For  ye  are  dead,  and  y^ur  life  is  hid 
with  Chriftin  God.  Gal.  vi.  14.  But  God  forbid  that 
I  fhould  glory  fave  in  the  crofs  of  our  Lord  Jefus 
Chrift,  by  whom  the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and 
I  unto  the  world. 

(z)  John  xvi.  22.  And  ye  now  therefore  have  for- 
row;  but  I  will  fee  you  again,  and  your  heart  Ihall  re- 
joice, and  your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you.  2  TheJT, 
ii.  16.  Now  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  himfelf,  and  God 
even  our  Father,  which  hath  lovsd  us,  and  hath  given 
U3  everlafting  confolation,  and  good  hope  through 
grace,  tffc. 

(/£)  Pfal.  xxx.  7.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft 
made  my  mountain  to  Hand  ftrong-.Thoudidfthide  thy 
face,  and  I  was  troubled.  If.  xlix.  13.  14.  Sing,  O 
heavens,  and  be  joyful,  G  earth,  and  break  forth  inta 
finging,  O   mountains ;  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted 

has. 


*4~  Gospii     Sonnet  j. 

SECT.     III. 

Myfteries   about  the  faint's  <uoork  and  'warfare,  fins,  for- 
r<nus3  and  joys. 

THE  work  is  great  I'm   call'd  unto  (a), 
Yet  nothing's  left  forme  to  do  (£): 
Hence  for  my  work  Heav'nhas  prepar'd 
No  wages  (<•),  yet  a  great  reward  {d). 


To  works,  but  not  to  working  dead  (e) ; 


Fr«m 


his  people,  and  will  have  mercy  upon  hisaffiifted.  But 
Zion  faid,  The  Lord  hath  forfaken  me,  and  my  Lord 
hath  forgotten  me; 

{a)  Pkil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,  as  ye 
have  always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefence  only,  but 
now  much  more  in  my  abfence.;  work  out  your  own 
falvation  with  fear  and  trembling. 

(b)  Phil,  ii.  13.  For -it  is  God  which  worketh  in 
you,  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleafure.  Lei'. 
xx.  7.  8.  Sanctify  yourfelves  therefore,  and  be  ye  ho- 
ly; for  I  am  the  Lord  your  God.  And  ye  fhafl  keep 
my  flatutes,  and  do  them :  I  am  the  Lord  which  fanc- 
tify  you. 

(<-)  Rom.  vi.  33  For  the  wages  of  fm  is  death  ;  but 
the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our 
Lord.  Chap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by  grace,  then  is  it  no 
more  of  works;  otherwife  grace  is  no  more  grace:  But 
if  it  be  of  works,  then  is  it  no  more  grace ;  otherwife 
work  is  no  mere  work. 

(d)  Pjal.  xix.  11.  Moreover,  by  them  [the  judg- 
ments of  the  Lord]  is  thy  fervant  warned;  and  in  keep- 
ing of  them  there  is  great  reward.  Pfal.  lviii.  1:1. 
Verily  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous  :  Verily  he  is 
a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth. 

(e)  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo 
are  become  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrifc*  that 
ye  mould  be  married  to  another,  even  toiiim  who  is 

raifed 


Part  'HI.  -The  Believer's  Riddk.  143 

From  fiiM  but  not  from  finning  freed  (/). 
I  clear  myfelf  from  no  offence  (g), 
Yet  vvafh  mine  hands  in  innocence. (£), 

My  Father's  anger  burns  like  fire  (*"), 
Without  a  fpark  of  furious  ire  (k)  : 
Though  ftill  my  fins  difpleafing  be  (/) , 

Yet 

raifed  from  the  dead,  that  we  mould  bring  forth  fruit 
unto  God.  Gal.  ii.  19.  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead 
to  the  law,  that  I  might  live  unto  God. 

(/)  1  7°^n  *•  8*  k  we  *"ay  t^iat  we  navc  n0  ^in»  Tc 

deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.  Chap.  iii. 

9.  Whofoever  is  born  of  God,  doth  not  commit  fin; 

for  his  feed  remaineth  in  him  j  and  he  cannot?  fin,  fee- 

caufe  he  is  born  of  God. 

(g)  Rom.  vii.   18.  For  I  know,  that  in  me  [that  is, 

in   my  flelh]  dwellethtjno  good  thing ;  for   to   will   is 

prefent  with  me;  bu^how  to  perform  that  which  is 

good,  I  find  not. 

(£)  Pfal.  xxvi.  6.  I  will  wafli  mine  hands  in  inno- 

cency ;  fo  will  I  compafs  thine  altar,  O  Lord. 

(?)  1  Kings  xi.  9.  And  the  Lord  was  angry  witk 
Solomon,  becaufe  his  heart  was  turned  from  the  Lord 
God  oflfrael,  which  had  appeared  unto  him  twice. 

(4)  If.  xxvii.  4.  Furyisnotin  me.  Chap.  liv.  9, 
1  ©.  For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me :  For  as  I 
have  fworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  mould  no  more  go 
over  the  earth ;  fo  have  I  fworn  that  I  would  not  be 
wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains 
{hall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kind- 
nefs  (hall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  (hall  thi  cove- 
nant of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  tflSt  hath 
mercy  on  thee. 

(/)  Hub.  i.  13.  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  be- 
hold evil,  and  canft  not  look  on  iniquity.  Jer.  xliv.  4, 
Kowbeit,  I  fent  unto  you  all  my  fervants  the  prophets, 
rifing  early,  and  fending  them,  faying,  Oh  do  not  this 
abominable  thing  that  I  hate. 


*44  GOIHL       S  O  N  N  !  T  J, 

Yet  flill  I  know  he's  pleas'd  with  me  (m). 
Triumphing  is  my  conftant  trade  (»), 
Who  yet  am  oft  a  captive  led  (o) ; 
My  bloody  war  does  never  ceafe  (/>), 
Yet  I  maintain  a  ftable  peace  (q). 

My  foes  aiTaulting  conquer  me, 
Yet  ne'er  obtain  the  victory  (r) ; 
For  all  my  battles,  loft  or  won, 
Weregain'd  before  they  were  begun  (/). 

I'm  ftill  at  eafe,  and  ftill  oppreft ; 

Have  conftant  trouble,  conftant  roll  (j)  ; 

Both 
'  '  — "—        •    ■  — 

(m)  Mattb.  iii.   17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven, 
faying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am   well 
;pleafed.    Rom.  v.    10.  When  we   were    enemies,  we" 
were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son. 

(«)  2  Car.  ii.  14..  Now  thanks  be  unto  God, 
which  always  caufeth  us  to  triumph  in  Chrift. 

(0)  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I  fee  another  law  in  my  mem- 
bers, waring  againft  the  law.  of  my  mind,  and  bringing 
me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of  fin,  which  is  in  my 
members. 

{/>)  Rom.  vii.  23.  See  letter  (o).  1  Tim.  vi.  12. 
Fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  &c.  Gal.  v.  17.  For  the 
flefh  lufteth  againft  the  Spirit,  and  the  Spirit  againft  the 
ilem;  and  thefe  are  contrary  the  one  to  the  other,  fo 
that  ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would. 

(q)  Rom.  v.  i.  Therefore  being  juftihed  by  faith, 
we  have  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus 
Chrift.  If.Mv.   IO.  See  letter  (k). 

(r)  Rom.  vii.  13.  See  letter  (o).  Chap.  viii.  37* 
Nay^iu  all  thefe  things  we  are  more  than  conquerors, 
through  him  that  loved  us. 

(/)  1  Cor.  xv.  57.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which 
giveth  us  the  vidtory,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift. 

(i)  2  Cor.  iv.  8.  We  are  troubled  on  every  fide,yet 
not  diftrcfled :  we  are  perplexed,  but  not  in  defpair. 

John 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  \±v 

Both  clear  and  clcmdy    it),  free  and  bound  («) ; 
Both  dead  and  living  (<v),  loft  and  found  (w), 

Sin  for  my  good  does  work  and  win  x   ; 

N  Yet 


John  xvi.  33,  Thefe  things  I  have  fpoken  unto  you, 
that  in  me  ye  might  have  peace.  In  the  world  ye  fhall 
have  tribulation  :  But  be  of  good  cheer,  I  have  overcome 
the  world.  Heb.  iv.  3.  For  we  which  have  believed, 
do  enter  into  reft. 

[t)  Zecb.  xiv.  6.  7.  And  it  mail  come  to  pafs  in' 
that  day,  that  the  light  mall  not  be  clear,  nor  dark. 
But  it  mall  be  one  day,  which  mail  be  known  to  the 
Lord,  not  day,  i?or  night ;  but  it  mall  come  to  pafs-, 
that  at  evening-time  it  mall  be  light.  Micah  yii.  8. 
Rejoice  not  againft  me,  O  mine  enemy  :  When  I  fall, 
I  mall  ariie ;  when  I  fit  in  darknefs,  the  Lord  fhall  be 
a  light  unto  me. 

(«)  John  viii.  36.  If  the  Son  therefore  mail  make 
you  free,  ye  fhall  be  free^  indeed.  Atts  xx.  23.  The 
Holy  Ghpft  witaefTeth  in  every  city,  faying,  that 
bonds  and  afflictions  abide  me. 

~*v)  2  Cor.  vi.  9.— »As  dying,  and  behold,  we  live. 
Col.  iii.  3.  For  ye  are  dead,  and  your  life  is  hid  with 
ChriftinGod. 

(•zv)  Mattb.  xviii.  11.  For  the  Son  of  man  is  come 
to  fave  that  which  was  loft.  Pfal.  cxix.  176.  I  have 
gone  ailray  like  a  loft  fheep,  feek  thy  fervant.  Phil. 
iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is 
through  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righteoufnefs  which  is 
of  God  by  faith. 

(x)  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  flings 
work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  ts 
them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe. 
Chap.  xi.  11.  I  fay  then,  Have  they  {tumbled  that 
they  mould  fall?  God  forbid;  but  rather  through  their 
fall  falvation  is  come  unto  the  Gentiles,  for  to  provoke 
them  tojealoufy. 


1 46  ©  0'  s  p  e  l     Sonnets. 

Yet  'tis  not  good  for  me  to  fin  (j>). 
My  pleafure  iffues  from  my  pain  (z); 
My  lofles  flill increafe  my  gain  {a). 

I'm  heal'd  ev'n  when  my  plagues  abound  (£), 
Cover'd  with  dull  ev'n  when  I'm  crown'd  {c) : 
As  low  as  death,  when  living  high  {a)-, 
Nor  mall  I  live,  yet  cannot  die  (e).  For 


00  Pfal  Ixxxix.  31.  32.  If  they  break  my  fla- 
tutes,  and  keep  n©t  my  commandments,  then  will  I 
vifit  their  tranfgreffion  with  the  rod,  and  their  iniquity 
with  ilripes. 

(«)  Pfal.  cxix.  6j.  Before  I  was  affli&ed,  I  went 
aflray;  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word.  v.  71.  It  is 
good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted,  that  I  mio;ht 
learn  thy  flatutes.  James  i.  2.  My  brethren,  count  it 
all  joy  when  ye  fall  into  divers  temptations. 

OJ  Matth.  x.  39.  He  that  lofeth  his  life  for  my 
fake,  fhall  find  it.  Mark  x.  29.  30.  And  Jems  an- 
swered and  faid,  Verily  I  fay  unto  you,  There  is  no 
man  that  hath  left  houfe,  or  brethren,  or  fillers,  or  fa- 
ther, or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for 
my  name's  fake  and  the  gofpel's,  but  he  mail  receive 
an  hundred-fold  now  in  this  time,  houfes,  and  bre- 
thren, and  fillers,  and  mothers,  and  children,  and 
lands,  with  perfections ;  and  in  the  world  to  come, 
eternal  life. 

(£)  Rom.  vii.  24.  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am, 
who  mall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  !  I 
thank  God,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

(c)  viz.  <witk  mercy,  Job  xlii.  5.  6.  I  have  heard  of 
thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear;  but  now  mine  eye  feeth 
thee.  Wherefore  I  abhor  myfelf,  and  repent  in  dull 
and  affcf|6.  Ezek.  xvi.  63.  That  thou  mayfl  remember 
and  be  confounded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any 
more  becaufe  of  thy  fhame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward 
thee  for  all  that  thou  hall  done,  faith  the  Lord  God. 

(d)  1  Cor.  vi.  9.— As  dying,  and  behold,  we  live. 
(?)  Heb,,ix.  27.  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once   to 

die. 


Fart  III.  The  Believer's     Riddle.  147 

For  all  my  fins  my  heart  is  fad, 
Since  God's  difhonour\i(/)  ;  yet  I'm  glad, 
Though  once  [  was  a  fiave  to  fin  {g  ), 
Since  God  does  thereby  honour  win  (£). 

My  fins  are  ever  in  his  eye  (/), 

Yet  he  beholds  no  fin  in  me  (k): 

N  2  His 

■  ■  ■  ~ "  *  ■ ■•  ■  r     ■  ■  ' ■  1 1  1 1  •  1       _. 

die.  John  v.  24.  Verily  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  He 
that  heareth  my  word,  and  believeth  on  him  that  fent 
me,  hath  everlafting  life,  and  mall  not  come  into  con- 
demnation ;  but  is  palled  from  death  unto  life.  Chap, 
vi.  40.  And  this  is  the  will  of  him  that  fent  me,  that 
every  one  which  feeth  the  Son*  and  believeth  on  him, 
may  have  everlafting  life.  <v.  50.  51.  This  is  the 
bread  which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  that  a  man 
may  eat  thereof,  and  not  die.  I  am  the  living  bread' 
which  came  down  from  heaven  ;  if  any  man  eat  of  this 
bread,  he  fnall  live  for  ever;  and  the  bread  that  I  will 
give,  is  my  flefh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of  the 
world. 

C/5  Pfal.  \i.  4.  Againll  thee,  thee  only  have  I  fin- 
ned, and  done  this  evil  in  thy  fight. 

(g)  Rom.  vi.   17.  But  God  be   thanked,  that    y^ 
were  the  fervants  of  fin;  but  ye  have  obeyed  from  '' 
heart  that  form  of  doclrine  which  was  delivered  y 

(£)  If.  xliv.  23.  Sing,  O  ye  heavens ;  for  the  1^" V 
hath  done  it ;  fhout,  ye  lower  parts  of  the  earth ;  br  ^ 
forth  into  finging,  ye  mountains,  O  forefls,  and  every 
tree  therein ;  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and 
glorified  himfelf  in  Ifrael.  Epb.  i.  6.  To  the  praife  of 
the  glory  of  his  grace.  <u'.  12.  That  we  fhould  be  to 
the  praife  of  his  glory. 

(z)  Rev.  iii.  1.  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  haft  a 
name  that  thou  liveft,  and  art  dead..  <z/.  15,  I  know  thy 
works,  that  thou  are  neither  cold  nor  hot; 

(i)  Numb,  xxiii.  21.  He  hath  not  beheld   iniquity 
in  Jacob,  neither  hath  he  feen  perverfenefs  in  Ifrael, 
iv.  7.  Thou  art  all  fair,  my  leye,  there  is  no  fpot 

in 


iiS  Gospel     Sonnets. 

His  mind  that  keeps  them  all  in  ftore, 
Will  yet  remember  them  no  more  (/). 

Eecaufe  my  fins  are  great,  I  feel 
Great  fears  of  heavy  wrath  (w) ;  yet  frill 
For  mercy  feek,  for  pardon  wait, 
Eecaufe  my  fins  are  very  great  (#). 

I  hope  when  plung'd  into  defpair  (c ), 


in  thee.  Ezek.  xvi.  14.  And  thy  renown  went  forth  a- 
rnong  the  heathen  for  thy  beauty  ;  for  it  was  perfect 
through  my  comelinefs  which  I  had  put  upon  thee, 
faith  the  Lord  God. 

(/)  If  xliii.  25.  I,  even  I  am  he  that  blotteth  out 
ihy  tranfgreffions  for  mine  own  fake,  and  will  not  re- 
member thy  fins.  Jer.  xxxi.  34.  I  will  forgive  their 
iniquity,  and  I  will  remember  their  fin  no  more.  Heb. 
viii.  12.  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteoufnefs, 
and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no 
more. 

(w)  Ezra  ix.  13.  14.  And  after  all  that  is  come  up- 
on as  for  our  evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  trefpafs, 
feeing  that  thou  our  God  haft  punifhed  us  lefs  than  our 
iniquities  deferve,  and  haft  given  us  fuch  deliverance  as 
t-his ;  fhould  we  again  break  thy  commandments,  and 
^>in  in  affinity  with  the  people  of  thefe  abominations? 
L  uldft  not  thou  be  angry  with  us  till  thou  hadft  con- 
fumed  us,  fo  that  there  mould  be  no  remnant  nor  e- 
fcaping?  Pfal.  xxxviii.  1.  O  Lord,  rebuke  me  not  in 
thy  wrath;  neither  chaften  me  in  thy  hot  difpleafure. 

(«)  Pfal.  xxv.  1 1 .  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord, 
pardon  mine  iniquity;  for  it  is.  great.  Jer.  xiv.  7.  O 
Lord,  though  our  iniquities  teftify  againfl  us,  do  thou 
k  for  thy  name's  fake  ;  for  our  backllidings  are  many, 
we  have  finned  againft  thee. 

(0)  Rom.  iv.  18.  Who  [Abraham]  againft  hope 
believed  in  hope.  2  Ccr.  i.  8  9.  For  we  \vould  not, 
Vet'hren,  have  you  ignorant  of  our  trouble  which  came 

to 


1 


Part  III,  The  Believer's   Riddled  149 

I  tremble  when  I  have  no  fear(^). 
Pardons  difpel  my  griefs  and  fears  (q), 
And  yet  diffalve  my  heart  in  tears  [r), 
SECT.    IV. 

My  ft  cries   in  faith 'j  extractions,  nvay  and  walk,  pray  en 
and  anftwers,  heights  and  depths,  fear  and  love. 

Ith  wafps  and  bees  my  bufy  bill 
Sucks  ill  from  goodv  and  good  from  ill  (a) : 
N  3  Humil'ty 


w 


to  us  in  Alia,  that  we  were  preiTed  out  of  meafure,  a- 
bove  ftrength,  infomuch  that  we  defpaired  even  of  life; 
but  we  had  the  fentence  of  death  in  ourfelves,  that  we 
mould  not  trull  in. ourfelves,  but  in  Cod  which  raifeth 
the  dead. 

(/)  Phil.  iL  T2.  Wherefore,  my  beloved,'  as  ye* 
have  always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefence  only,  but5 
now  much  more  in  my  abfence ;  work  out  your  own 
falvat'on  with  fear  and  trembling.  Luke  i.  74.  That  he 
would  grant  unto  us,  that  we  being  delivered  out  of  the 
hands  of  our  enemies,  might  ferve  him  without  fear. 

(q)  Matth.  ix.  2.  Jefus  faid  unto  the  lick  of  the 
palfy,  Son,  be.  of  good  cheer,  thy  fins  be  forgiven  thee. 

(r)  Ezak*  xxxvi.  25.  26.  Then  will  I  fprinkle 
clean  water  upon  you,  and  ye  fhall  be  clean:  From  all 
your  lilthinefs,  and  from  all  your  idols  will  I  cleanfe 
you.  A  new  heart  alfo  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  fpirit 
will  I  put  within  you,  and  I  will  take  away  the  ftony 
heart  out  of  your  fieih,  and  I  will  give  you  an  heart  of 
nelh.  <v.  31.  Then  marl  ye  remember  your  own  evil' 
ways,*  and  you-r  doings  that. were  not  good,  and  fhall 
loath  yourfeives  in  your  own  fight,  for  yournniquities, 
and  for  your  abominations.  Chap.  xvi.  63,  That  thou 
mayfl  remember  and  be  confounded,  and  never  open 
thy  mouth  any  more  becaufe  of  thy  ihame,  when  I  am 
pacified  toward  thee  for  all  that  thou  haft  done,  faith- 
the  Lord  God. 

(a)  Rom.  ii.  4.  Or  defpifelt  thou  the  riches  of  his: 
goodnefs,  and  forbearance,  and  long-fuifering ;  not 

knowing 


1 

My 


ICO  Gospel     Sonnets, 

Humil'ty  makes  my  pride  to  grow, 
And  pride  afpfring  lays  me  low  {b). 

My  Handing  does  my  fall  procure  (c), 

My  falling  makes  me  flan d  more  fure  (a). 

My  poifon  does  my  phyfic  prove  (<?),  My 

knowing  that  the  goodnefs  of  Godleadeath  thee  to  re- 
pentance ?  Chap.  vi.  i.  2.  What  Ihall  we  fay  then? 
Shall  we  continue  in  fin,  that  grace  may  abound  ?  God 
forbid;  hew  mail  we  that  are  dead  to  fin,  live  any  lon- 
ger therein?  >v.  15.  What  then  ?  Ihall  we  fin,  becaufe 
we  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace  ?  God  for- 
bid. Chap.  viii.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things 
work  together  for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to 
them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his  purpofe.  Phil. 
1.  12.  But  I  would  ye  mould  understand,  brethren, 
that  the  things  which  happened  unto  me,  have  fallen 
out  rather  unto  the  furtherance  of  the  gofpel.  Pfal. 
cxix.  71.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted  ; 
that  I  might  learn  thy  flatstes. 

(6)  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  And  left  I  mould  be  exalted  a- 
bovemeafure  through  the  abundance  cf  the  revelations, 
there  was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  ilefh,  the  meffen- 
ger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me,  left  I  fhould  be  exalted  a- 
bove  meafure.  Prov.  xxix.  23,  A  man's  pride  fhall 
bring  him  low ;  but  honour  fhall  uphold  the  humble  in 
fpirit.  2.  Cbron.  xxxii.  26.  Hezekiah  humbled  him- 
felf  for  the  pride  of  his  heart;  [both  he  and  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Jerufalem],  fo  that  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  came 
not  upon  them  in  the  days  of  Hezekiah. 

(c)  Pfal.  xxx.  6.  7.  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid, 
I  fhall  never  be  moved.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  haft 
made  my  mountain  to  ftand  flrong ;  thou  didft  hide  thy 
face,  and  I  was  troubled. 

{d)  Pronj.  xxiv.  16.  For  a  jufl  man  falleth  kven 
times,  and  rifeth  up  again.  Pfal.  xxxvii.  24.  Though 
!ie  fall,  he  fhall  not  be  utterly  cafl  down;  for  the  Lord 
upheldeth  him  with  his  hand. 

(e)  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  8.  And  left  Ifliould  be  exalted 

above 


Part.' III.  The  Believers  Riddle.  1 5 1 

My  enmity  provokes  my  love  (/). 

My  poverty  infers  my  wealth  (g), 
My  ficknefs  iflues  in  my  health  (b) : 
My  hardnefs  tends  to  make  me  foft  (*')» 
And  killing  things  to  cure  me  oft  (k)> 

While 

above  meafure  through  the  abundance  of  revelations, 
there  was  given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  flefh,  the  me/Ten- 
ger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me,  left  I  fhould  be  exalted  a- 
bove  meafure.  For  this  thing  I  befought  the  Lord 
thrice,  that  it  might  depart  from  me.  If.  xxvii.  8<  9. 
In  meafure  when  it  fhooteth  forth,  thou  wilt  debate 
with  it;  he  itayeth  his  rough  wind  in  the  day  of  the 
eafl-wind.  By  this  therefore  mall  the  iniquity  of  Jacob 
be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit  to  take  away  his  fin. 

(/)  Gal.  v.  17-.  The  flefh  lufteth  againft  the  Spirit, 
and  the  Spirit  againft  the  Hefh.  <v.  24.  And  they  that 
are  Chrift's,  have  crucified  the  fieih,  with  the  affections 
and  lulls. 

(g)  Rev.  ii.  9.  I  know  thy  poverty,  but  thou  art" 
rich.  2  Cor.  vi.  io.—»»as  having  nothing,  andyetpof- 
feffing  all  things, 

(b)  Mattb.  ix.  ix.  They  that  be  whole  need  not  a 
phyficiari*  but  they  that  are  fick.  If.  lvii.  17.  18.  For 
the  iniquity  of  his  covetoufnefs  was  I  wroth,  and  fraote 
him:  I  hid  me,  and  was,  wroth,  and  he  went  on  frow- 
ardly  in  the  way  of  his  heart.  I  have  feen  his  ways* 
and  will  heal  him :  I  will  lead  him  alfo,  and  reftore 
comforts  unto  him,  and  to  his  mourners. 

ft)  If.  lxiii.  17.  O  Lord,  why  h alt.  thou  made  us 
to  err  from  thy  ways  ?  and  hardened  our  heart  from  thy 
fear  ?  Return  for  thy  fervants  fake,  the  tribes  of  thine 
inheritance. 

(k)  2  Cor.  i.  9.  But  we  had  the  fentence  cf  death 
in  ourfelves,  that  we  mould  not  trait  in  ourfelves,  but 
in  God  which  raifeth  the  dead.  Mof  v.  15.  I  will  go 
and  return  to  my  place,  till  they  acknowledge  their  of- 
fence? :  and  feek  my  face ;  In  their  aifli&icn  they  will 

jeek 


i.$#B  Gospel      Sonnet:, 

While  high  attainments  caft  me  down, 
My  deep  abafements  raife  me  foon  (/) : 
My  beft  things  oft  have  evil  brood  (m), 
My  worft  things  work  my  greateft  good  (»). 

My  inward  foes,  that  me  alarm, 

Breed  me  much  hurt,  yet  little  harm  (o). 


feek  me  early.  Chap.  vi.  i.  Come  and  let  us  return 
unto  the  Lord)  for  he  hath  torn,  and  he  will  heal  us; 
he  hath  fmitten,  and  he  will  bind  us  up. 

(/)  i  Pet.  v.  5.  6.  Be  fubjedt  one  to  another,  and 
be  cloathed  with  humility:  For  God  refifleth.  the  proud, 
and  giveth  grace  to  the  humble.  Humble  yourfelves 
therefore  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God, '  that  he  may 
exalt  you  in  due  time.  Pfal.  cxvi.  6.  I  was  brought 
low,  and  he  helped  me. 

(m)  Pfal.  xxx.  6.  7.  And  in  my  profperity  I  faid,. 
I  mail  ne^ver  be  moved.  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  hail 
made  my  mountain  to  ftand  ftrong  ;  thou  didfl  hide  thy 
face,  and  I  was  troubled.  Deut.  xxxii.  14.  15.  Butter 
of  kine,  and  milk  of  iheep,  with  fat  of  lambs,  and 
rams  of  the  breed  of  Bafhan,  and  goats,  with  the  fat 
of  kidneys  of  wheat,  and  thou, didft  drink  the  pure 
blood  of  the  grape.  But  jeihurun  waxed  fat,  and  kick- 
ed :  Thou  art  waxen  fat,  thou  art  grown  thick,  thou  art 
covered  with  fatnefs;  then  he  forfook  Godwhichmade 
him,  and  lightly  efteemed  the  Rock  ©f  his  falvation, 
pfal.  cvi.  7.  Our  fathers  underftood  not  thy  wonders 
in  Egypt,  they  remembered  not  the  multitude  of  thy 
mercies,  but  provoked  him  at  the  fea,  even  at  the  Red 
fea. 

(«)  Pfal.  xxx.  11.  Thou  haft  turned  for  me  my 
mourning  into  dancing  :  Thou  haft  putoffnfy  fack- 
doth,  and  girded  me  with  gladnefs.  Rem.  viii.  28. 
See  letter  (a). 

(0)  Jer.  x.   19.  Wo    is  me  for  my  hurt,  my  wound 
is  grievous;  but  I  faid,  Truly  this  is  a  grief,  and  I  . 
muil  bear  it.    1  Pet.  iii.   13.  And  v/ho  is  he  that  will  ' 
harm' you,  if  ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good. 


Part.  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  M3 

I  get  no  good  by  them  *,  yet  fee 

To  my  chief  good  they  caufe  me  flee  (/). 

They  reach  to  me  a  deadly  ftroke  (q), 
Yet  fend  me  to  a  living  rock  (r). 
They  make  me  long  for  Canaan's  banks  (j), 
Yet  fure  I  owe  them  little  thanks. 


*  in  themfel<ves>  but  much  e<vil,  l  Pet,  ii.  II.  Dearly 
beloved,  I  befeech  you  as  Grangers  and  pilgrims,  ab~ 
ftain  from  fleftily  lufts,  which  war  againft  the  foul. 
James  i.  14.  15.  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he 
is  drawn  away  by  his  own  luft,  and  enticed.  Then 
when  lull  hath  conceived,  it  bringeth  forth  fin ;  and 
fin  when  it  is  finifhed,  bringeth  forth  death. 

(/)  Pfal.  cxliii.  9,  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from 
mine  enemies :  I  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

(q)  Rom.  viii.  13.  If  ye  live  after  the  flefh,  ye  mall 
die. 

O)  Pfal.  xviii.  46.  47.  The  Lord  liveth,  and  blef- 
fed  be  my  rock;  and  let  the  God  of  my  falvation  be 
exalted.  It  is  God  that  avengeth  me,  and  fubdueth  the 
people  under  me. 

(j)  Pfal.  lv,  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like 
a  dove !  for  then  would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at  reft.  ^ 
cxx.  5.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  fojourn  in  Mefech,  that  I 
dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar.  Rom.  viii.  20.  21.  22. 
23.  For  the  creature  was  made  fubj eft  to  vanity,  not 
willingly,  but  by  reafon  of  him  who  had  fubjecled  the 
fame  in  hope;  beeaufe  the  creature  itfelf  alio  fhall  be 
delivered  from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  into  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.  For  we  know 
that  the  whole  creation  groneth,  and  travaileth  in  pain 
together  until  now;  and  not  only  they,  but  ourfelves 
alfo,  which  have  the  firft-fruits  of  the  Spirit,  even  we 
©urfelves  groan  within  ourfelves,  waiting  for  the  adop- 
tion, to  wit,  the  redemption  of  our  body. 


354  Gospel     Sonnets. 

T  travel  (/),  yet  ftand  firm  and  fait   («) ; 
I  ran  O),  but  yet  I  make  no  hafte  (w). 
I  take  away  both  old  and  new  (x ), 
Within  my  fight  (jy),  yet  oat  of  view  (»).. 

My  way  directs  me  in  the  way  («.), 
And  will  not  fuffer  me  to  ftray  (b): 
Though  high  and  out  of  fight  it  be, 
.  I'm  in  the  way,  the  way's  in  me  (7).  'Tis 

(/)  Heb.  xi.  13.— And  confeffed  that  they  were 
Grangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earih. 

(«)  1  Cor.  xvi.  13.  Watch  ye,  Hand  fail  in  the 
faith,  quit  you  like  men,  be  ftrong. 

(i0  Heb.  xii.  1.  Let  us  run  with  patience  the  race 
that  is  (et  before  us. 

(iv)  If.  xxviii.  16.  He  that  believeth,  fhall  not 
make  hafte. 

(x)  Jer.  vi.  16.  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Stand  ye  in 
the  ways,  and  fee,  and  afk  for  the  old  paths,  where  is 
the  good  way,  and  walk  therein,  and  ye  fhall  find  reft 
for  your  fouls.  Heb.  x.  19.  20.  Having  therefore, 
brethren,  boldnefs  to  enter  into  the  holieft  by  the  blood 
ofjefus,  by  a  new  and  living  way  which  he  hath  con- 
fecrated  for  us,  thro'  the  vail,   that  is  to  fay,    his  flefh.,„ 

( y)  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  For  now  we  fee  through  a 
glafs,  darkly;  but  then  face  to  face:  Now  I  know  in 
part ;  but  then  fhall  I  know  even  as  alfo  I  am  known. 

(z)  John  xvi.  10.  I  go  to  my  Father,  and  ye  fee  me 
no  more. 

(a)  John  x'w.  6.  Jems  faith  unto  him,,  I  am  the 
way—;   no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by  me. 

(b)  If  xlii.  16.  And  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a 
way  that  they  knew  not,  I  will  \e?A  them  in  paths  that 
they  have  not  known :  I  will  make  darknefs  light  be- 
fore them,  and  crooked  things  ftraight.  Thefe  things 
wiil  I  do  unto  them,  and  not  forfake  them.  Chap.  lv. 
4.  Behold,  I  have  given  him  for  a  leader  and  comman- 
der to  the  people. 

(c)  If  xxxv,  8.  And  an  high-way  fhall  be  there, 

and 


Part  III.  'The  Believer's  Riddle.  \^ 

'Tis  ftraight   (d),  yet  full  of  heights  and  depths  (*)» 
I  keep  the  way  (/),  the  way  me  keeps  (j-). 
And  being  that  to  which  I  tend, 
My  very  way's  my  journey's  end(£). 

When 


and  a  way,  and  itjhali  be  called  the  way  of  holinefs ; 
die  unclean  fhall  not  pafs  over  it,  but  it  ihall  be  for 
thofe:  The  wayfaring  men,  though  fools,  fhall  not  err 
therein.  John  xv.  4.  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you. 
Chap.  xvii.  23.  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they 
may  be  made  perfect  in  one,  and  that  the  world  may 
know  that  thou  haft  fent  me,  and  haft  loved  them,  as 
thou  haft  loved  me.  <v.  26.  And  I  have  declared  unto 
them  thy  name,  and  will  declare  it;  that  the  love 
wherewith  thou  haft  loved  rne,  may  be  in  them,  and  I 
in  them. 

■  Qd)  Matth.  iii.  3.  This  is  he  that  was  fpoken  of  by 
the  prophet  Efaias,  faying,  The  voice  of  one  crying  in 
the  wildernefs,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make 
his  paths  ftraight. 

(*)  If  xl.  3.  4.  The  voice  of  him  that  crieth  in  the 
wildernefs,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make 
ftraight  in  the  defart  a  high-way  for  our  God.  Every 
valiey  fhall  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and  hill 
fhall  be  made  low;  and  the  crooked  fhall  be  made 
ftraight,  and  the  rough  places  plain.  Chap.  xlii.  16. 
See  letter  (b).  Pfal.  lxxvii.  13.  Thy  way,  O  God,  is 
in  the  fanftuary.  n>.  19.  Thy  way  is  in  the.fea,  and 
thy  path  in  the  great  waters,  and  thy  footiteps  are  not 
known. 

(/")  Pfal.  xxxvii.  34.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep - 
his  way,  and  he  fhafl  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land. 

(j-  )  Pfal.  cxxi.  3.  4.  He  will  not  fuffer  thy  foot  to 
be  moved:  Ke  fhat  keepeth  thee  will  not  ft  umber.  Be- 
held, he  that  keepeth  Ifrael,  fhall  neither  flumber  nor 
fleep. 

{h)  Heb.  xii:  22.  23.  24,  But  ye  are  come  unto 
mount  Sion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  t^e 
heavenly  jerufalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company 

of 


i$6  Gospel     Sonnets. 

When  I'm  in  company  I  grone, 
Becaufe  I  then  am  moll  alone  (/) ; 
Yet,  in  my  clofeft  fecrecy, 
I'm  joyful  in  my  company    (£). 

I'm  heard  afar    (/),  without  a  noife ; 
I  cry  without  a  lifted  voice  (m): 

Still 


of  angels,  to  the  general  affembly  and  church  of  the 
nrft-born,  which  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the 
judge  of  all,  and  to  the  fpirits  of  juft  men  made  perfect, 
and  to  Jefus  the  mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  to 
the  blood  of  fprinkling,  that  fpeaketh  better  things 
than  that  of  Abel.  1  Thejf.  iv.  17.  Then  we  which  are 
alive  and  remain,  mall  be  caught  up  together  with 
them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air;  and  fo 
&all  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 

(/)  Song  i.  7.  Tell  me,  O  thou  whom  my  foul  lov- 
eth,  where  thou  feedeft,  where  thou  makeft  thy  flock 
to  reft  at  noon ;  for  why  mould  I  be  as  one  that  turneth 
afide  by  the  flocks  of  thy  companions  ? 

(k)  Song  vii.  II.  12.  Come,  my  beloved,  let  us  go 
foith  into  the  field ;  let  us  lodge  in  the  villages.  Let  us 
get  up  early  to  the  vineyards,  let  us  fee  if  the  vine 
nouriih,  whether  the  tender  grape  appear,  and  the 
pomegranates  bud  forth;  there  will  I  give  thee  my 
loves  . 

(/)  Pfal.  xx.  6.  Now  know  I,  that  the  Lord  faveth 
his  anointed:  He  will  hear  him  from  his  holy  heaven, 
with  the  favmg  ftrength  of  his  right  hand. 

(«*)  1  Sam.  i.  13.  14.  15.  Now  Hannah,  fhe  fpake 
in  her  heart,  only  her  lips  moved,  but  her  voice  was 
not  heard;  therefore  EH  thought  fhe  had  been  drunken. 
And  Eli  faid  unto  her,  How  long  wilt  thou  be  drun- 
ken ?  put  away  thy  wine  from  thee.  And  Hannah  an- 
fvvered  and  faid,  No,  my  lord,  I  am  a  woman  of  a  for- 
rowful  fpirit;  I  have  drank  neither  wine  nor  flron^ 
drink,  but  have  poured  out  my  foul  before  the  Lord. 


Fart  HI.  The   Believer's  Riddle*  35^ 

Still  moving  in  devotion's  fphere  (n)9 
Yet  feldom  fteady  perfevere  (0). 

I'm  heard  when  anfwer'd  Toon  or  late  (p).y 
And  heard  when  I  no  anfwer  get  (q) ; 
Yea,  kindly  anfwer 'd  when  refus'd  ( r), 
And  friendly  treat  when  harfhly  us?d  (j  J. 

O  My 

(n)  \TheJf.  v.  17.  Pray  without  ceafmg. 

(0)  Hof.  vi.  4.  O  -Ephraim,  what  fhall  I  do  unt© 
thee  ?  for  your  goodnefs  is  as  a  morning  cloud,  and  as 
.the  early  dew  it  goeth  away. 

(p)  If,  xlix.  8.  Thus  faithithe  Lord,  In  an  accep- 
table time  have  I  heard  thee,  and  in  a  day  of  falvation 
have  I  helped  thee. 

(q)  Matth.  xxvi,  39.  And  Jefiis  went  a  littla  fur- 
ther, and  fell  on  his  face,  and  prayed,  faying,  O  my 
Father,  if  it  be  poflible,  let  this  cup  pafs  from  me:  ne- 
verthelefs,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 

(r)  P/al.  xxii.  1.  2,  3.  My  God,  my  God,  why 
haft  thou  forfaken  me  ?  why  art  thou  fo  far  from  help- 
ing me,  and  from  the  words  of  my  roaring  ?  O  my  God, 
I  cry  in  the  day-time,  bat  thou  hearefl  not;  and  in  the 
night-feafon,  and  am  not  filent.  But  thouart  holy,  O 
thou  that  inhabited  the  praifes  of  Ifrael. 

(j)  Heb.  xiL  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10.  And  ye  have  for- 
gotten the  exhortation  which  fpeaketh  unto  you  as  un- 
to children,  My  fon,  defpife  not  thou  the  chaftening  of 
the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of  him.  For 
whom  the  Lord  loveth,  he  chafteneth,  and  fcourgeth 
every  fon  whom  he  receiveth.  If  ye  endure  chaftening, 
God  dealeth  with  you  as  with  fons :  for  what  fon  is  he 
whom  the  father  chafteneth  not?  But  if  ye  be  without 
chaftifement,  whereof  all  are  partakers,  then  are  ye 
baftards,  and  not  fons.  Furthermore,  we  have  had  fa- 
thers of  our  flelh,  which  corrected  us,  and  we  gave 
'them  reverence :  fhall  we  not  much  rather  be  in  fubjec- 
tion  unto  the  Father  of  fpirits,  and  live  ?  For  they  ve- 
rify for  a  few  days  chaitened  us  after  their  own  plea- 

Jure; 


158  Gospel     Sonnet*. 

My  fervent  pray'rs  ne'er  did  prevail  fsj, 
Nor  e'er  of  prevalency  fail  (t). 
I  wreftie  till  my  ftrenght  be  {pent  fu)y 
Yet  yield  when  ftrong  recruits  are  fent  (<vj. 

I  languim  for  my  Hufband's  charms  [<w}t 


t* 


fure ;  but  he  for  our  profit,  that  we  might  he  partaker 
of  his  holinefs. 

(s)  Dan.  ix.  18.  19.  O  my  God,  incline  thine  ear, 
and  hear;  open  thine  eyes,  and  beheld  our  defolations, 
and  the  city  which  is  called  by  thy  name :  for  we  do 
not  prefent  our  fupplications  before  thee  for  our  righte- 
oufneffes,  but  for  thy  great  mercies.  O  Lord,  hear,  V 
Lord,  forgive,  O  Lord,  hearken  and  d®,  defer  not, 
for  thine  own  fake,  O  my  God :  for  thy  city,  and  thy 
people  are  called  by  thy  name. 

(/)  James  v.  16.  The  effe&ual  fervent  prayer  of  a 
righteous  man  availeth  much. 

(u)  Gen.  xxxii.  24.  .25.  And  Jacob  was  left  alonej 
and  there  wreftled  a  mar.  with  him,  until  the  breaking 
of  the  day.  And  when  he  faw  that  he  prevailed  not  a- 
gainft  him,  he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh:  and 
.  the  hollow  of  Jacob's  thigh  was  out  of  joint,  as  he 
wreftled  with  him. 

(*v)  P/al.  exxxviii.  3.  In  the  day  when  I    cried, 
thou    anfvveredft    me:  and  ftrengthenedft    me    with 
ftreugthinmy  foul.  Gen.  xviii.  32.  33.  And  hefaid, 
Oh  let  not  the  Lord  be  angry,  and  I  will  fpeak  yet  but 
this  once:   Peradventure  ten  mall  be  found  there.  And 
he  faid,   I  will  not  deflroy  it  for  tens  fake.  And  the 
Lord  went  his  way,  a/Toon  as  he  had  left  communing 
with  Abraham :   and  Abraham  returned  unto  his  place 
(xv)  P/al.  lxiii.  2.  My  fleih  longeth  to  fee  thy  pow- 
er and  thy  glory,  fo  as  I  have  feen  thee  in  the  fanttua- 
ry.  cjf  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  defired  of  the  Lord 
that  will  I  feek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  houfe  o 
the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the   beauty 
©f  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  his  temple. 


Part.  III.  The  Reliever's   Riddle.  159 

Ye:  faint  away  when  in  his  arms  (x), 
My  fwceteft  health  does  ficknefs  prove; 
When  love  me  heals,-  I'm  iiek  of  love  {y}, 

I  am  morTmerry  when  I'm  fad  (z) ; 
Moll  full  of  forrow  when  I'm  glad  (a) : 
Mofl  precious  when  I  am  moil  vile  (b), 

O    2  And 


(x)  Rev.  i.  17.  And  when  I  faw  him,  I  fell  at  his 
feet  as  dead :  and  he  laid  his  right  hand  upon  me,  fay- 
ing unto  me,  Fear  not;   I  am  the  nrH  and  the  laft. 

(_>>)  Song  ii.  4.  $.  He  brought  me  ts  the  banquet- 
ing-houfe,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love.  Stay  me 
with  flagons,  comfort  me  with  apples ;  for  I  am  fick 
of  love. 

(z)  2   Cor.  vii.   10:  For  godly  forrow  worketh   re- 
pentance to  falvation  not  to  be  repented  of.  Eccl.  vii. 
3.  Sorrow  is  better  than  laughter :  for  by  the  fadnels  of 
the  co-untenance  the  heart  is  made  better. 

(a)  Prov.  xiv.  13.  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is. 
forrowful ;  and  the  end  of  that  mirth  is  heavinels. 

(b)  Job  xl.  4.  Behold,  I  am  vile,  what  mail  I  an- 
fwer  thee  ?  I  will  lay  mine  hand  upon  my  mouth. 
Chap.  xlii.  5.  6.  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing 
of  the  ear :  but  now  mine  eye  feeth  thee.  Wherefore  I 
abhor  myfelf,  and  repent  in  dull  and  afhes.  Jer.  xxxL 
iS.  19.  20.  I  have  furely  heard  Ephraim  bemoaning 
himfelf  thus,  Thou  haft  ehaflifed  me,  and  I  was  chal- 
tifed,  as  a  bullock  unaccuftomed  to  the  yoke,  turn 
thou  me,  and  I  .fhall  be  turned ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord; 
my  God.  Surely  after  that  I  was  turned,  I  repented  ;- 
and  after  that  I  was  inftrucled,  I  fmote  upon  my  thigh : 
I  was  afhamed,  yea,  even  confounded,  becaufe  I  did 
bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth.  Is  Ephraim  my  dear 
fon  I  is  he  a  pleafant  child  ?  for  fmce  I  fpake  againit 
Mm,  I  do  eamerTTy  remember,  him  Hill:  therefore  my 
bowels  are  troubled  for  him;  t  will  furely  have  mercy 
upon  him,  faith  the  Lord. 


i.6a  Gospel     S  o  n  n  e  7  s. 

And  molt  at  home  when  in  exile  (c). 

My  bafe  and  honourable  birth 

Excites  my  mourning  and  my  mirth  [d). 

I'm  poor,  yet  ftock'd  with  untold  rent  (e) ; 


Moft 


(f)  Ezek.  1.  1.  Now  it  eame  to  pafs  in  the  thirtieth 
year,  in  the  fourth  month,  in  the  fifth  day  of  the 
month,  [as  I  was  among  the  captives  by  the  river  of 
Chebar],  that  the  heavens  were  opened,  and  I  faw  vi- 
fions  of  God,  Re<v.  i.  9.  10.  I  John,  who  alfo  am 
your  brother,  and  companion  in  tribulation,  and  in  the 
kingdom  and  patience  of  Jefus  Chrift,  was  in  the  ifle 
that  is  called  Patmos,  for  the  word  of  God,  and  for  the 
teftimony  of  Jefus  Chrift.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the 
Lord's  day,  and  heard  behind  me  a  great  voice,  as  of  a 
trumpet,  &c»  John  xvi.  32.  Behold,  the  hour  Com- 
eth, yea,  is  now  come,  that  ye  mall  be  fcattered,  every 
man  to  his  own,  and  fhall  leave  me  alone :  and  yet  I 
am  not  alone,  becaufe  the  Father  is  with  me. 

(d)  Ezek.  xvi.  3.  4.  Thus  faith  the  Lird  God  unto 
Jerufalem,  Thy  birth,  and  thy  nativity  is  of  the  land 
of  Canaan,  thy  father  was  an  Amorite,  and  thy  mother 
an  Hittite.  And  as  for  thy  nativity  in  the  day  thou  waft 
born,  thy  naval  was  not  cut,  neither  waft  thou  wafhed 
in  water  to  fupple  thee :  thou  waft  not  falted  at  all,  nor 
Twaddled  at  all.  Johni.  13.  Which  were  born,  not  of 
blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flelh,  nor  of  the  will  of 
man,  but  of  God.  Pfal.  li.  5,  Behold,  I  was  fhapen 
in  iniquity:  and  in  fin  did  my  mother  conceive  me.  1 
Pet.  i.  3.  BlefTed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jefus  Chrift,  which  according  to  his  abundant  mercy, 
hath  begotten  us  again  untoa  lively  hope,  by  the  refur- 
redionof  Jefas  Chrift  from  the  dead. 

(e)  Rev.  iil.  17.  iS.  Becaufe  thou  fayftf  I  am  rich, 
and  increafed  witli  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing ; 
and  knoweft  not  that  thou  art  wretched,  and  miferable, 
and  poor,  and  blind,  and  naked.  I  counfel  thee  to  buy 
of  me   gold  tried  in  the  fire,  that  thou  mayft  be  rich  , 

and 


Part    I'll.  The  Believer's  Riddle,  id 

Moft  weak,  and  yet  omnipotent  (/).    * 

On  earth  there's  none  fo  great  and  high  (^(, 
Nor  yet  fo  low  and  mean  as  I  (h) : 
None  or  fo  foolifh .(/'),  or  fo  wife  (i\ ;    . 

O  ^  So: 


and  white  raiment,  that  thou  mayft  be  clothed,  and 
that  the  lhame  of  thy  nakednefs  do  not  appear;  and  an- 
noint  thine  eyes  with  eye-falve,  that  thou  mayft  fee. 
Eph.  iii.  8.  Unto  me,  wMam  lefs  than  the  leaft  of  all 
faints,  is  this  grace  given,  that  I. mould  preach  among 
the  Gentiles  the  unfearchable  riches  of  Chrift. 

(73  7°hn.  xv.. .5.  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing. 
Phil.  iv.  13.  X  can  do  all  things  through  Chrift  which 
ftrengtheneth-jne,  :. 

(g)  Pfal.  xvi.  3.  But  to  the  faints  that  are  in  the 
earth,  and  to  the  excellent  in  whom  is  all  my  delights 
If.  xliii.  4.  Since  thou  waft  precious  in  my  light,  thou 
hail  been  honourable,  and  I  have  loved  thee:  therefors 
will  I  give  men  for  thee,  and  people  for  thy  life. 

(h)  Eph.  iii.  8.  See  letter  (e).  \  Tim.  i.  15.  This 
is  a  faithful. faying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Chrift' Jefus  came  into  the  world  to.fave  iinners;  of 
whom  I  am  chief.  -- 

(/)  Pfal,  lxxiii.  22.  So  fooli ill  was   I,  and  ignor- 
ant:  I   was  as  a  beaft  before    thee.  Pro<v.  xxx,   2.   3. 
Surely  I  am  more  brutiih  than  any  man,  and  have  not 
the  underftanding  of  a  man.  I  neither  learned  wifdom,  - 
nor  havs  the  knowledge  of  the  holy. 

(£)  t  Ccr.  L  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus, 
who  ^)f  God  is  made  unt@  us  wifdom,  &c.  Matth.  xi. 
25.  26.  At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid-,  I  .thank 
thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  becaufe 
thou  haft  hid. thefe.  things  from  the  wife  and  prudentr 
and  haft  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Even  fo,  Father, 
for  fo  it  feemed  good  in  thy  fight.  Chap.  xiii.  11.  Je- 
fus anfwered  and. faid  unto  them,  Becaufe  it  is  given 
unto  you  to  know  the  myfteries  of  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  but  to  them  i$  is  not  given. 


i6s  Gospel     Soniutj, 

So  often  fall,  fa  often  rife  (/). 

I  feeing  him  I  never  faw  (/»), 
Serve  without  fear,  and  yet  with  awe  (*). 
Though  love,  when  perfect,  fear  remove  (0}? 
Yet  molt  I  fear  when  moft  I  love  (j>). 

All  things  are  lawful  unto  me  {$),, 

Yet 


(/)  Pro<v.  xxiv.  16.  Ajuft  man  falleth  feven  times, 
and  rifeth  up  again. 

{m)  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  having  not  feen,  ye  love; 
in  whom  though  now  ye  fee  him-  not,  yet  believing,  ye 
rejoice  with  joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glory.  Heb, 
xi.  1.  Now  faith  is  the  fubftance  of  things  hoped  for, 
the  evidence  of  things  not  feen. 

(«)  Lukei.  74.  That  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that 
we  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies, 
might  ferve  him  without  fear.  Heb.  xii.  28^  Where- 
fore we  receiving  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved,, 
let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we  may  ferve  God  accepta- 
bly, with  reverence  and  godly  fear. 

(0)  1  John'w.  18.  There  is  no  fear  in  love;  but  * 
perfect  love  cafteth  out  fear:  becaufe  fear  hath  tor- 
ment :  he  that  feareth,  is  not  made  perfect  in  love. 

(p)  Jer.  xxxiii.  9.  And  it  mall  be  to  me  a  name  of 
joy,  a  praife  and  an  honour  before  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  which  fhall  hear  all  the  good  that  I  do  unto 
them :  and  they  fhall  fear  and  tremble  for  all  the  goocU 
nefs,  and  for  all  the  profperity  that  I  procure  unto  it. 
Ho/,  iii.  5.  Afterwards  fhall  the  children  of  Ifrael  re- 
turn, and  feek  the  Lord  their  God,  and  David  their 
king,  and  fhall  fear  the  Lord,  and  his  goodnefs  in  the 
latter  days. 

(q)  1  Cor,  vi.  12.  All  things  are  lawful  unto  me, 
but  all  things  are  not  expedient :  all  things  are  lawful 
for  me,  butlwiUjiQl  be  brought  ua4crfte  power  cf 


I 
Part  III.  The Selie-ver's  Riddle.  l6$ 

Yet  many  things  unlawful  be  (r) : 
To  fome  I  perfett  hatred  bear  (/), 
Yet  keep  the  law  of  love  entire  (j), 

I'm  bound  to  love  my  friends  (/),  but  yet 
I  fin  unlefs  I  do  them  hate  (k)  : 
I  am  eblig'd  to  hate  my  foes  (<v), 

Yet 


(r)  Exod.  xx.  i.  2.  3.  &c.  And  God  fpake  all 
thefe  words,  faying,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which 
have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the 
houfe  of  bondage«  Thou  .malt  have  no  other  gods  be- 
fore me,  fcfc. 

(/)  Pfal,  cxxxix.  2i.  22,  Do  not  I  hate  them,  G 
Lord,  that  hate  thee  ?  and  am  not  I  grieved  with  thofe 
that  rife  up  againft  thee?  I  hate  them  with  perfect  ha- 
tred: I  count  them  mine  enemies;  - 

(/)  2  Chron.xix.  2.  And  Jehu  the  foh  of  Hanani 
the  feer,  went  out  to  meet  him,  and  faid  to  king  Jeho- 
fhaphat, .  Shouldft  thou  help  the  ungodly,  and.  love 
them  that  hate  the  Lord?,  therefore  is  wrath  upon  thee 
from  before  the  Lord.. 

(t)  Lev.  x\x,  18.  Thou  (halt  not  avenge,  nor  bear 
any  grudge  againft  the  children  of  thy  people,  but 
thou  malt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf:  I  am  the  Lord, 

(»)  Luke  x\Yi  26,  If  any  man  come  to  me,  and  hate 
not  his  father,-  and  mother,  and  wife,  and  children, 
and  brethren,  and  filters,  yea,  and  his  own  life  alfq> 
he  cannot  be  my  difciple. 

(<v)  as  they  art  the  foes  of  God,  Jxdg.  v.  31.  So  let- 
all  thine  enemies  perim,  O  Lord :  but  let  them  that, 
love  him,  be  as.  the  fun  when  he  goeth  forth  in  his- 
might.  Pfal.  xvii.  13.  14.  Arife,  O  Lord,  difap- 
point  him,  caft  him  down:  deliver  my  foul  from  the 
wicked,  which  is  thy, fword:  from  men  which  are  thy. 
hand,  O  Lord,  from  men  of  the  world,  which  haver 
their  portion  in  this  life,  and  whofe  belly  thou  filleft 
with  thy  hid  treafure :  they  are  full  of  children,  and 
tsave  $he  reft  of  their  fubltance  to  ^keir  babes. 


104  G  o  s  p  £  l     Sonne  t  s. 

Yet  bound  to  love  and  pray  for  thofe  (w). 

Heart -love  to  man  I'm  calPd  t'  impart,. 
Yet  God  ftill  calls  for  all  my  heart  (x). 
I  do  him  and  his  fervke  both 
By  nature  love  (_v),  by  nature  lothe  («), 

SECT.     V. 

Myfteries  about  fiejh  andfpirit,  liberty  and  bondage,    lij  e 
and  death. 

MUchlike  my  heart  both  falfe  and  true  (a),    . 
- 1  have  .a  name  both  old  and  new  [b). 


04 


(at;)  Matth.  v,  44.  But  I  fay  unto  you,  Love  your 
enemies,  blefs  them  that  csrfe  you,  do  good  to  them 
that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  defpitefully 
ufe  you,  and  perjacute  you._ 

(x)    Matth.  xix.    19.  Jefus   faid    unto    him,    Thou, 
malt    love  thy  neighbour  as  thyfelf.  Chap.  xxii.   37.. 
Thou   fhalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy   heart, 
and  with  all  thy  foul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

(j)   1  J'ohn.v.   2.  By  this  we  know  that  we  love  the 
children  of  God,  when  we  love  God  and  keep  his  com- _ 
mandments. 

[z)  Rim.  viii.  7.  The  carnal  mind  is  enmity  againft 
God:   for  it  is  not  fubjecl  to  the  law  of  God,  neither. . 
indeed  can  be.  Col.  i.  "21.  And  you  that  were   fome- 
time  alienated,  and  enemies  in  your  mind  by   wicked 
works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled. 

(a)  Jer.  xvii.  9.  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all 
things,  and  defperately  wicked,  who  can  know  it? 
Heb.  x.  2?.  Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in  full 
aiTurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts  fprinkled  from  an 
evil  confcience,  and  our  bodies  warned  with  pure  water. 

(b)  Rom.  ix.  25.  16.  As  he  faith  alfo  in  Ofee,  I 
will  call  them  my  people,  which  were  not  my  people ; 
and  her,  beloved,  which  was  not  beloved.  And  itfhall. 

come 


f  art  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  j6$l 

No  new  thing  is  beneath  the  fun  (c) ; 
Yet  all  is  new,  and  old  things  gone  (d). 

Though  in  my  flefh  dwells  no  good  thing  (e), 

Yet  Chrift  in  me  I  joyful  fing  (f). 

Sin  I  confefs,  and  I  deny : 

For,  though  I  fin,  it  is  not  I  (g).. 

i: 

— — — I— ^   ll  *    I  III   —————— ——————  m.  I  I 

come  to  pafs,  that  in  the  place  where  it  was  faid  unto 
them,  Ye  are  not  my  people-;  there  fhall  they  be  call- 
ed, The  children  of  the  living  God.  Rev.  ii.  17.  He 
that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the  Spirit  faith  unto 
the  churches,  To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat 
of  the  hidden  manna,  and  will  give  him-  a  white  ftone, 
and  in  the  ftone  anew  name  written,,  which  no  man 
knoweth,  faving  he  that  receiveth  it.  Chap.  iii.  12- 
Him  that  overcometh,  will  I  make  a  pillar  in  the  tem- 
ple of  my  God,  ancthe  fhall  go  no  more  out:  and  I 
will  write  upon  him  the  name  of  my  God',,  and  the 
name  of  the  city  of  my  God,  whicki^new  Jerufalem,.. 
which  cometh  down  out  of  heaven  from  my  God:  and 
I  will  write  upon  him  my  new  name. 

(c)  Eccl.  i.  9.  The  thing  that  hath  been,  it  is  that 
which  mail  be ;  and  that  which  is  done,  is  that  which 
fhall  be  done :  and  there  is  no  new  thing  under  the  fun. 

(d)  1  Cor.  v.  17.  If  any  man  be  in  Chrift,  he  is  a. 
new  creature :  old  things  are  pall  away,  behold,  all 
things  are  become  new.  Rev.  xxi.  5.  And  he  that  fat 
upon  the  throne,  faid,  Behold,  I  make  all  things  new. 

(e)  Rom.  vii.  18.  For  I  know,  that  in  me,  [that 
is,  in  my  flefh]  dwelleth  no  good  thing :  for  to  will  is 
prefent  with  me,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is 
good,  I  find  not. 

(f)  Col.  i.  27.  To  whom  God  would  make  known 
what  is  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  this  myftery  among 
the  Gentiles ;  which  is  Chrift  in  yeii,  the  hope  of  glory, 

(g)  Rom.  vii.  14.— 20.  For  we  know  that  the  law 
16  fpiritual :  but  I  am  carnal,  fold  under  fin.  For  that 
which  I  do,  I  allow  not:  fbi-what  I  would,  that  do   I 

not  4. 


;oo  Gospel     Sonnets, 

I -fin  againft,  and  with  my  will  (£) ; 
I'm  innocent,  yet  guilty  ftill  (/'). 
Though  fain  I'd  be  the  greateft  faint  (i), 
To  be  the  lcaft  I'd  be  content  (/). 


My 


not;  but  what  I  hate,  that  do  I.  If  then  I  do  that 
which  I  would  not,  I  confer  t  unto  the  law,  that  it  is 
good.  Now  then,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but  fin 
that  dwelleth  in  me.  Fori  know,  that  in  me, [that is, 
in  my  Hem,]  dwelleth  nq^good  thing:  for  to  will  is 
prefent  with  me,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is. 
good,  I  find  not.  For  the  good  that  I  would,  I  do  not: 
but  the  evil  which  I  would  not,  that  I  do.  Now  if  I  do 
that  I  would  not,  it  is  no  more  I  that  do  it,  but  fin 
that  dwelleth  in  me.  i  John  iii.  9.  Whofoever  is  born 
of  God,  doth  not  commit  fin  ;  for  his  feed  remaineth 
in  him:  and  he  cannot  fin,  becaufe  he  is  born  of  God. 

(h)  Rom.  vii.  21—25.  I  find  then  a  law,  that 
when  I  would  do  good,  evil  is  prefent  with  me.  For  I 
delight  in  the  law  of  God,  after  the  inward  man.  But 
I  fee  another  law  in  my  members,  warring  againft  the 
law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the 
law  of  fin,  which  is  in  my  members.  O  wretched  man 
that  I  am,  who  fhall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death!  I  thank  God,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
So  then,  with  the  mind  I  myfelf  ferve  the  law  of  God ; 
but  with  the  fiefh  the  law  of  fin. 

(/)  Pjal.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  fervant  alfo  from 
prefumptuous  fins,  let  them  not  have  dominion  over 
me:  then  fhall  I  be  upright,  and  I  fhall  be  innocent 
from  the  great  tranfgrefTion.  cif  cxxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord, 
fhouldfl  mark  iniquities:   O  Lord,  who  fhall  ftand  ? 

{k)  PJ'aL  xxvii.  4.  One  thing  have  I  defired  of  the 
Lord,  that  will  I  feek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the 
houfe  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the 
beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  his  temple. 

(/)  Pfal.  lxxxiv.  10.  For  a  day  in  thy  court  is  bet- 
ter than  a  thoufand  :  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in 
the  houfe  of  my  G®d>  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of 
wickednefs. 


Fakt  III.  iTk   Believer's   PJddle.  if  J 

My  lownefs  may  my  height  evince  {m)s 
I'm  both  a  beggar  and  a  prince  (»). 
With  meaneft  fubje&s  I  appear  (a), 
With  kings  a  royal  fcepter  bear  (/), 


I'm  both  ^nfetter'd  and  involv'd  (?) ; 


By 


(.%)  7<?£  v.  1 1 .  To  fet  up  on  high  thofe  that  be  low; 
that  thofe  which  mourn  may  be  exalted  to  fafety. 

(»)  i  Sam.  ii.  8.  The  Lord  raifeth  up  the  poor  out 
of  the  duft,  aad  lifteth  up  the  beggar  from  the  dung- 
hil,  to  fet  them  among  princes,  and  to  make  them  in- 
herit the  throne  of  glory  :  for  the  pillars  of  the  earth 
are  the  Lord's,  and  he  hath  fet  the  world  upon  them. 
Gen.  xxxii.  28.. "And  the  angel  faid,  Thy  name  fhall 
be  called  no  more  Jacob,  but  Ifrael :  for  as  a  prince 
haft  thou  power  with  God  and  with  men,  and  haft  pre- 
vailed. Re-v.  i«  .5.  6.  Unto  him.  that  loved  us,  and 
warned  us  from  our  fins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath 
made  us  kings  and  priefts  unto  God  and  his  Father;  to 
him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever    Amen. 

(0)  Phil.  ii.  10.  That  at  the  name  of  Jefus  every 
knee  mould  bow,  of  things  in  heaven,  and  things  in 
earth,  and  things  under  the  earth.  Heb.  i.  6.  And  a- 
gain,  when  he  bringeth  in  the  firft-begotten  into  the 
world,  he  faith,  And  let  all  the  angels  of  God  worihip 
him. 

(/)  Re-v.  ii.  26.  27.  And  he  that  overcometh,  and 
keepeth  my  works  unto  the  end,  to  him  will  I  give 
power  over  the  nations :  [and  he  fhall  rule  them  with  a 
rod  of  iron  :  as  the  vefiels  of.a  potter  mail  they  be  bro- 
ken to  Ihivers]  even  as  I  received  of  my  Father. 

(7)  Pfal.  cxvi.  16.  Oh  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy  fer- 
vant,  I  am  thy  fervant,  and  the  fon  of  thy  handmaid : 
thou  haft  loofed  my  bonds.  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I  fee^n- 
other  law  in  my  members,  warring  againft  the  law  of 
my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of 
£n,  which  is i»  my  members. 


1 68  Gospei     Sonnets. 

By  law  condenin'd,  by  law  abfolv'd  (r).. 
My  guilt  condignly  puniuVd  fee, 
Yet  I  the  guilty  wretch  go  free  (j). 

My  gain  did  by  my  lofs  begin  (/) ; 
My  righteoufnefs  commenced  by  iin  (u)i 
My  perfett  peace  by  bloody  ftrife  (<v)  : 
Life  is  my  death,  and  death  my  life  (wj. 


I'm 


(r)  i  John  iii.  20,  For  if  ©ur  heart  condemn  us, 
God  is  greater  than  our  heart,  and  knoweth  all  things. 
Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation 
to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after 
the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  or.  33.  34.  Who  ihall 
lay  any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect?  It  is  God 
that  juftifieth:  who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift 
that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even 
at  the  right  hand  of  God ,  who  alfo  maketh  interceffion 
for  us. 

(s)  Gal.  iii.  13.  Chrift  Aath  redeemed  us'from  the 
•curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us :  for  it  is 
written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

(t)  Rom*  iii.  23.  24.  For  all  have  finned,  and 
come  fhort  of  the  glory  of  God;  being  juftified  freely 
by  his  grace,  through  the  redemptioiuthat  is  in  Jefus 
Chrift. 

(u)  Rem.  iii.  5.  But  if  our  unrig  hteoufnefs  com- 
mend the  righteoufnefs  of  God,  what  mail  we  fay  ? 
Chap.  v.  10.  21.  But  where  fin  abounded,  grace  did 
much  more  abound:  that  .as  .fin  hath  reigned  unto 
death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign  through  righteoufnefs 
unto  eternal  life,  by.  jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

(<0)LCol.  i.  20.  And  [having  made  peace  through 
the  blood  ofhiscrofs]  by  him  to  reconcile  c-ll  things 
unto  himfelf,  by  him.  I  fay,  whether  they  be  thingsin 
earth,  or  things  in  heaven. 

(wj  The  life  of  fin  is  our  death,  I  Tim.  v.  6.  But 
%e  that  liveth  in  pleafure,  is  dead  while  fhe  liveth.  The 
death  ofChriJi  our  life ;  2  Cor.  v.   14.  15.  For  the  love 

of 


•Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  .«$f 

I'm  [in  this  prefent  life  I  know] 
A  captive  and  a  freeman  too  ( x)  ; 
And  though  my  death  can't  fet  me  free, 
It  will  perfect  my  liberty  (y) . 

,  hm  not  worth  one  dufiy  grain,. 
Yet  more  than  worlds  of  golden  gain; 
Though  v/orthlefs  I  myfelf  indite,% 
-Yet  fhall  as  worthy  walk  in  white  (»). 

P  SECT. 


of  Chrift  conftraineth  us,  becaufe  we  thus  judge,  that 
if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead,  and  that  he 
died  for  all,  that  they  which  live,  mould  not  henceforth 
live  unto  themfelves,  but  unto  him  which  died  fpr 
them,  and  rofe  again. 

(x)  Rom.  vii.  23.  See  letter '(q).  Chap.  vii.  2.. For 
the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life,  in  Chrift  Jefus,  hath  made 
me  free  from  the  law  of  fin  and  death. 

(y)  John  viii.  36.  If  the  Son  therefore  mail  make 
you  free,  ye  mall  be  free  indeed.  Rev.  xiv.  1?.  And 
1  heard  a  voice  from  heaven.,  faying  unto  me,  Write, 
BlefTed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  hence- 
forth: Yea,  faith- the  Spirit,  that  they  may  reft  from 
their  labours ;  and  their  works  do  follow  them.  2  Cor. 
v.  4.  For  we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan, 
being  burdened:  ret  for  that  we  would  be  unclothed 
but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality  might  be  fwallowed 
up  of  life. 

fzj  Gen.  xxxii.  1  o.  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  leaft  of 
all  the  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which  thou  hail 
mewed  unto  thy  fervant;  for  with  my  flaff  Ipafied  0- 
ver  this  Jordan,  and  now  lam  become  two  band;, 
.Rev.  Hi.  4.  Thou  haft  a  few  names  even  in  Sardis, 
which  have  not  defiled  their  garments  ;  and  they  fljfeil 
walk  with  me  i-n  white:  for  they  are  worthy. 


170  Gospel     Sonnet 

SECT.     VI. 

The   myftery  of.frte  jitftif.cation  through  Christ'/  obedi- 
ence andjatisfaflion. 

NO  creature  ever  could  or  will 
For  fin  yield  fatisfaction  full  (a) ; 
Yet  juftice  from  the  creature's  hand 
Both  fought  and  got  its  full  demand  {B) . 

Hence  though  I  ^m,  as  well  I  know, 
A  debtor  (c) ,  yet  I  nothing  owe  (d). 
My  creditor  has  nought  to  lay  (<?), 

Yet 

(a)  PJal.  xlix.  8.  For  the  redemption  of  their  foul 
is  precious,  and  it  ceafeth  for  ever.  If.  xl.  16.  And 
Lebanon  is  not  fufficient  to  burn,  nor  the  beafls  thereof 
fufficient  for  a  burnt-offering. 

(b)  Pfal.  xl.  6.  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  didft 
not  defire,  mine  ears  haft  thou  opened :  burnt-offering 
and  fin -offering  haft  thou  not  required.  Heb.  x.  5.  6. 
7.  Wherefore  when  he  cometh  into  the  world,  he 
faith,  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou  wouldft  not,  but  a 
body  haft  thou  prepared  me :  in  burnt-offerings  and  fa- 
crifices  for  fin  thou  haft  had  no  pleafure:  then  faid  I, 
Lo,  I  come  [in  the  volameof  the  book  it  is  written  of 
me]  to  do  thy  will,  O  God.  Eph.  v.  2.  Chrift  hath 
loved  us,  and  hath  given  himfelf  for  us,  an  offering 
and  afacrifice  to  God  for  afweet-fmelling  favour. 

(c)  Matth.  vi.  12.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we 
forgive  our  debtors. 

{d)  Rom.  iii.  24.  25.  Being  juftified  freely  by  his 
grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift >: 
whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
faith  in  his  blood,  to  declaro  his  righteoufnefs  for  the 
remiffion  of  fins  that  are  pfcft,  through  the  forbearance 
of  God.  Heb.  x.  14.  For  by  one  offering  he  hath  per- 
fected for  ever  them  that  are  fanclified.     ••_ 

(e)  Rom.  viii.  33.  34.  Wh«<fnall  lay  any  thing  to 
the  charge  cf  God's  eled.?  It  is  God 'that  juftifietht 

who 


Fart  III.  TJk  Believer's  Riddle,  I  7  ! 

Yet  never  had  I  aught  to  pay  (/) . 

He  freely  pardon'd  ev'ry  mite  (g), 
Yet  would  no  fingle  farthing  quit  (a). 
Hence  ev'ry  blifs  that  falls  to  me 
Is  dearly  bought,  yet  wholly  free  (/). 

All  pardon  that  I  need  I  have, 
Yet  daily  pardon  need  to  crave  (£}. 

P  2  The 


who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea 
rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  who  alfo  mftketh  interceilion  for  us. 
'  {/)  Ron.  v.  6.  For  when  we  were  yet  without 
ftrength,  in  due  time  Chrift  died  for  the  ungodly,  f, 
8.  But  God  commendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that 
while  we  were  yet  finners,  Chrift  died  for  us. 

(g)  A£isx\i\.  38.  39.  Beit  known  unto  you  there- 
fore, men  and  brethren,  that  through  this  man  is 
preached  iinto  you  the  forgivenefs  of  fins  :  and  by  him 
all  that  believe  are  juftified  from  all  things  from  which 
ye  could  not  be  juftified  by  the  law  ofMofes. 

{h)  Rom,  iii.  24.  25.  See  letter  ( d) .  Chap.  vii.  32. 
He  fpared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for 
us  all. 

(1)  1  Pet.  i.  1  tv  19.  Forafmuch  as  ye  know  that  ye 
were  n®t  redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  filver 
and  gold,  from  your  vain  converfation  received  by  tra- 
dition from  your  fathers  ;  but  with  the  precious  blood 
of  Chrift,  as  of  a  Lamb  without  blemifh  and  without 
fpot.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
his  blood,  the  forgivenefs  of  fins,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  grace.  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Who  hath  faved  us, 
and  called  us  with  an  holy  calling,  not  according  to 
our  works,  but  according  to  his  own  purpofe  and 
grace  which  was  given  us  in  Chrift  Jefus,  before  the 
world  began. 

(/£)  Pfal.  ciii.  3.  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities:: 
who  feeaieth  all  thy*  difeafes, .' &  ,xxv.  11.  For    thy 

name's 


172 


GOSPRI        SONNJST 


The  law's  arrefl  keeps  me  in  awe  (/), 
But  yet  'gainft  me  there  is  no  law  (m). 

Though  truth  my  jufl  damnation  crave  («}. 
Yet  truth's  engag'd  my  foul  to  fave  (o). 
My  whole  falvation  comes  by  this, 
Fair  truth  and  mercy's  mutual  kifs  (/). 

Law-breakers  ne'er  its  curfe  have  mifs'd  ; 
But  I  ne'er  kept  it,  yet  am  blefs'd  (?). 


name's  fake,  O  Lord,  pardon#mine  iniquity :  for  it  is 
great.  Luke  xi.  4.  And  forgive  us  our  fins;  for  we  alfo 
forgive  every  one  that  is  indebted  to  us;  Dan.  ix.  19. 
O.Lord,  hear,  O  Lord,  forgive,  O  Lord,  hearken  and' 
do,  defer  not,  for  thine  own  fake,  O  my  God :  for  thy 
city,  and  thy  people  are  called  by  thy  name. 

(/)  Pfal.  cxix.  120.  My  Hem  trembleth  for  fear  of. 
thee,  and  I  am  afraid  of  thy  judgments.  Rom.  vii.  9. 
I  was  alive  without  the  law  once  :  but  when  the  com- 
mandment came,  fin  revived,  and  I  died.  *v.  13.  Was 
then  that  which  is  good,  made  death  unto  me?  God 
forbid.  But  fin  that  it  might  appear  fin,  working  death 
in  me  by  that  which  is  good ;  that  fin  by  the  com- 
mandment might  become  exceeding  finful. 

(m)  Gal.  v.  23.  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  it — meek- 
nefs,  temperance:  againft fuch  there  is  no  law.  1  Tim.. 
1.  9.  Knowing  this,  that  the  law  is  not  made  for  a 
righteous  man,  but  for  the  lawlefs  and  diibbedient,  &c, 

(a)  Ez?L  xviii.  4.  The  foul  thaPnhneth,  it  fhall  die. 

(0)  1  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and. 
worthy  of  ail  acceptation,  that  Chrift  Jefus  came  into 
the  world  to  fave  finners;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

(p)  Pfal.  lxxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  to- 
gether :  righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  kiffed  each  other. 

{q)  Gal.  iii.  10.  As  many  as  are  of  the  works  of 
the  law,  are  under  the  curie:  for  it  is  written,  Curfed 
is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  winch, 
are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  thesa.  <v\   13. 

1 4, 


Part  III.  TBe  Believer's    Riddle, 


U 


I  can't  be  juftify'd  by  it  OV 
And  yet  it  can't  burme  acquit  {/). 

I'm  not  oblig'd  to  keep  it  more  (/), 

P  3  Yet 

ii  .    .  .        ■  -        — — ^—.  

14;  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law, 
being  made  a  curfe  for  us:  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is 
every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree :  that  the  blefling  of 
Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gentiles  through  Jefus 
Chrift ;  that  we  might  receive  the  promife  of  the  Spirit 
through  faith.  - 

(r)  Rom.'  iii.  2© .  Therefore  '  by  ■  the  deeds  'of  the  " 
law,  there  fhall  no  flefh  be  juftihed  in  his  fight :  for  by 
the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing 
that  a  man  is  not juftified  by  the  works 'of  the  law,  but 
by  the  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift,  even  we  have  believed  in 
Jefus  Chrift;  that  we  might  be  juftified  by  the  faith  of 
Chrift,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law:  for  by  the 
works  of  the  law  mall  no  flefh  be  juftified.  Chap.  iii. 
ir:  But  that  no  man  is  juftified  by  the  law  in  the  fight 
of  God,  it  is  evident :  for,  -The  juft  fhall  live  by  faith. 

{/)  Rom.  viii.  1.  There -is  therefore  now  no  con- 
demnation to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus".  1/.  3.  4, 
For  what  the  law-could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak 
through  the  flefh,  God  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the 
likenrefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the 
flefh:  that  the  righteoufnef;  of  the  law  might  be  fulfil- 
led in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the 
Spirit.-  2  Cor  v.  21.  For  he 'hath  made  him  to  be  fin 
for  us,  who  knew  no  fin;  that  we  might  be  made  th-e 
righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him:  Rom.  iii.  26.  To  de- 
clare, I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs :  that  he 
might  be  juft,  and  the  juftifier  of  him  which  belie veth 
in  j»efus. 

0)  Rom.  vi.  14.'  Sin  fhall  not  have  dominion  over 
you:  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 
Gal.  v.  1.  2.  3.  4.  Stand  faft  therefore  in  the  liberty 
wherewith  Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  en- 
tangled" again  with- the  yoke  of  bondage.  Behold,  I 

Paul 


74  LrOSr.E-L       b'O-N-NET-S. 

Yet  more  oblig'd  than  e'er  before  (/). 

By  perfect  doing  life  I  find  («), 

Yet  do  and  live  no  more  me  bind(^).  " 

Thefe  terms  no  change  can  undergo, 
Yet  fweetly  chang'd  they  are  (<iv) ;  fer  lo, 

My 


Paul  fay  unto  you,  that  if  ye  be  circumcifed,  Chriit 
fhall  profit  you  nothing.  Fori  telHfy  again  to  every 
man  that  is  circumcifed,  that  he  is  a  debtor  to  do  the 
whole  law.  Chriit  is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you, 
whofoever  of  you  are  juitified  by  the  law;  ye  are  fallen 
from  grace. 

(O  Rom.  vi.  i.  2.  What  fhallwe.fay  then?  Shall 
we  continue  in  fin,  that  grace  may  abound  ?  God  for- 
bid :  how  ihall  we  that  are  dead  to  fin,  live  any  longer 
therein?  <v.  15.  What  then?  ihall  we.fin,  becaufe  we 
are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace?  God  forbid. 

{u)  Rom.  v.  17.  i§.  19.  They  which  receive  a- 
kun dance  of  grace,  and  of  the  gift  of  the  righteouf- 
nefs, ihall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jefus  Chriit..— By  the, 
righteoufnefs  of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men 
unto  juftification  of  life.— By  the  obedience  of  one 
fhall-many  be  made  righteous. 

$-v)  Rom.  x.  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  For  Mofes  defcribeth 
the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man 
which  doth  thofe  things,  fhal-1  live  by  them.  But  the 
righteoufnefs  which  is  of  faith  fpeaketh  on  this  wife, 
•Say  not  in  thine  heart,  Who  fhall  afcend  into  heaven? 
[that  is,  to  bring  Chrift  down  from  above] ;  Or,  Who 
ihall  defcend  into  the  deep?  [that  is,  to  bring  up 
Chriit  again  from  the  dead]  :  But  what  faith  it?  The 
word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy 
heart :  that  is  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach.  That 
if  thou  fhalt  confefs  with  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jefus, 
and  fhalt  believe  in  thine  heart,  that. God  hath  raifed 
him  from  the  dead,  thou  fhalt  be  faved. 

(w)  Rom.  iii.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law 
trough  faith?  God  ferbid;  yea,  we  eitablifh  the  law. 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  175; 

My  doing  caus'd  my. life  (*),  but  now 
My  life's  the  caufe  that  makes  me  do  (y). 

Though  works  of '  righteoufnefs  I ftore  («)., 
Yet  righteoufnefs  of  worij  abhor  (*); 
For  righteoufnefs  without  a  flaw 
Is  righteoufnefs  without  the  law  (b). 

Iar 


(x)  Rom.  x.  $.  See  letter  (y).      j    , 

00  3^*  xiy-  !9*  Becaufe  I  live,  ye  mall  live  alio. 
Chap.  xv.  5.I  am  the  vine?  ye  are  the  branches:  He. 
that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth 
forth  much  fruit:  for-without  me  ye  can  do  nothiag. 
Rom.  vii.  4.' Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  be- 
come dead  to  the  law  by  the  bpdy  of  Chrifl ;  that  ye 
mould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raifed 
from  the  dead,  ihat  we  fhculd  bring  forth  fruit  unto  - 
God.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  And  I  will  put  my  fpirit  within 
you,  and  caufe  you  to  walk  in  my  flatutes,  and  ye 
fhall  keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them* 

(z)  Philip,  i.  11.  Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of 
righteoufnefs,  which  are  by  jefus  Chrifl  unto  the  glory 
and  praife  of  God. 

(«•)  Philip,  iii.  £.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having 
mine  own  righteoufnefs?  .which  is  of  the  law,  but  that 
which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrifl,  the  righteoufnefs 
which  is  of  God  by  faith.  If.  Ixiv.  6.  All  our  righte- 
oufneffes  are  as  filthy  rags.  Rom.  iv.  6.  Even  as  David 
alfo  defcribeth  the  blefiednefs  of  the  man  unt©  whom 
God  imputeth  righteoufnefs  without  works. 

(£)  Rom.  iii-  20.  21.  22.  Therefore,  by  the  deeds 
of  the  law,  there  fhall  no  flefh  be  juilified  in  his  fight : 
for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  But  now  the 
righteoufnefs  of  God  without  the  law  is  manifefled, 
being  witneffed  by  the  law  and  the  prophets ;  even  the 
righteoufnefs  of  God  which  is  by  faith  of  jefus  Chrifl 
unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  belie  ve;  for  there  fa 
no  difference,. 


170  Gospu      Sonnets.. 

Iir  duties  way  I'm  bound  to  lie  (c)r 
Yet  out  of  duties  bound  to  fly  (</) : 
Hence  merit  I  renounce  with  fhame  (*)> 
Yet  right  to  life  by  merit  claim  (/). 

Merit  of  perfect  righteoufnefs 

I  never  had  (£"),  yet  never  mifs  (b) ;  On. 

(<■)  Prtm.  viii.  34.  BlefTed  is  the  man  that  heareth 
me,  watching,  daily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at  the  polls  • 
of  my  doors. 

(^)  If.  lvii.   12.  I   will  declare   thy  righteoufnefs, 
and  thy  works,  for  they  mail  not  profit  thee.  Luke. 
xvii.   10.  When  ye   mall   have  done  a!-l  thofe  things 
which  are  commanded  you ■>  fay,  We  are   unprofitable 
fervants :  we  -have  done  that  which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

(<?)  Pfai.  xvi.  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  haft  faid  unto  the 
Lord,  Thou  art  my  Lor>l:  my  goodnefs  extendeth  not 
to  thee.  Eztk.  xxxvi.  32.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this, 
faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you:  be  a- 
fkamed  and  confounded  for  your  own  ways,  O  houfe  of 

Ifrael. 

if)  Rom.  v.  18.  19.  By  the  righteoufnefs  of  one, 
the  free  gift1  came  upon  all -men-  unto  juftification  of 
life.— -By  the  obedience  of  one  fhall  many  be  made 
righteous.  If.  xlv.  24.  25.  Surely,  fhall  one  fay,  In 
the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and  flrength :  even  to 
him  fhall  men  come,  and  all  that  are  incenfed  againfl 
him  fhall  beafnamed.  In  the  Lord  mail  all  the  feed  of 
Ifrael  be  juftified,  and  fhall  glory. 

(<r)  Rom.  iii.  9.  10.  What  then?  are -we  better 
than  they .?  No,  in  no  wife:  for  we  have  before  proved 
both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all  under  fin  j  as 
it  is  written,  There  is  none  righteous,  no  not  one.  -v. 
iq.  Now  we  know,  that  what  things  foever  the  law 
faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law :  that  e- 
very  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  alithe  world  may  be- 
come guilty  before  God. 

(£)  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrifl  Jefus, 
who  of  God  is  made  unto  us— righteouihefs.  If.  xlv. 


iVrt  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  1.7,7 

On  this  condition  I  have  all  (* ),. 
'  Yet  all  is  unconditional  (£). 

Though  free  it  mercy  I  impfcre  (/), 
Yet  I  am  fafe  on  juiiice*  fcore  (*»)> 

Which 


24.  &*  /<?//«•  (f).  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah 
fhall  be  faved,  and  Ifrael  mall  dwell  fafely :  and  this  is 
his  name  whereby  he  fhall  be  called,  THE  LORP 
OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

(/)  If.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his 
righteoufnefs  fake,  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make 
it  honourable.  Matth.  iff.  15.  Thus  it  becometh  us  to 
fulfil  all  righteoufnefs.  v,  17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from 
heaven,  faying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I 
am  well  pleafed 

(/£)  If.  Iv.  1.  Ho,  every  one  that  thirfieth,  come  ye 
to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no.  money;  come  ye, 
buy  and  eat,  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without 
money  and  without  price.  Rev.  xxii.  17.  Whofoever 
will,  let  him  take  the  water  of  life  freely. 

(J)  Pfal.  li.  i.'^Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  ac- 
cording to  thy  loving  kindnefs :  according  unto  the 
multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot  out  my  tranfgref-.- 
lions. 

{m)  Rom*,  iii.  24.  25.  26.  Being  justified  freely  by 
his  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus 
Cnrift' :  whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation, 
through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs 
for  the  remimon  of  fins  that  are  pall,  through  the  for- 
bearance of  God ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his 
righteoufnefb :  that  he  might  be_  jujl,  and  the  Juftifier  : 
of  him  which  believeth  in  jefus.  1  Johni.  9-  If  we 
confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithful,  and  jwft  to  forgive  us  . 
©u.r  fins,  ancfto  cleanfe  us  from  aU-unrighteoufnef?, 


178  Gospel     S  ©  n  n  k  t  s. 

Which  never  could  the  guilty  fre&  [n), 
Yet  fully  clears  molt  guilty  me  (0). 

C  E  C  T.     VII. 
The  Myperj  of  Go*  the  Juftifier,  Rom.  iii.    26.  j*- 
fified  both  in  his  J&fifying  and  Condemning ;  er  Son/- 
jujiification  and  Self-condemnation. 

MY  Jefus  needs  not  fave  («),  yet  mull  (b) ; 
He  is  my  hope  (c)»  I  am  his  truft  (d). 

He 


(n)  Exod.  xxxiv.  6.  7.  And  the  Lord  pafTed  by 
before  him,  and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  the  Lord  God, 
-—that  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty. 

(0)  Rom.  4.  c-  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but  be- 
lieveth  on  him  that  juftifieth  the. ungodly,,  his  faith  is 
counted  for  righteoufnefs. 

(a)  Rom.  ix.  5.  Chriit  is  over  all,  GodblefTed  for 
ever, 

(b)  Johnx.  16.  And  other  Sheep  I  have,  which  are 
not  of  this  fold  :  them  aKo  I  muft  bring,  and  they  fhall 
hear  my  voice  ;  and  there  fhall  be  one  fold,  and  one 
fhepherd.  n>.  18.  No  man  taketh  it  [my  life]  from 
me,  but  I  lay  it  down  of  myfelf:  I  have  power  to  lay  it 
down,  and  I  have  power  to  take  it^gain.  This  com- 
mandment have  I  received  of  my  Father*  Luke.  ii.  49. 
And  Jefus  faid  unto  them  [Jofeph  and  his  mother]. 
How  is  it  that  ye  fought  me?  will  ye  not  that  I  mull" 
be  about  my  Father's  buifinefs  ? 

(c)  Jer.  xiv.  8.  O  the  hope  of  Ifrael,  the  faviour 
thereof  in  time  of  trouble,  £s?r.  Chap.  xvii.  17.  Be 
not  a  terror  unto  me,  thou  art  my  hope  in  the  day  of 
evil.  1  Tim.  i.  1.  Paul  an  apoftle  of  Jefus  Chrift, 
by  the  commandment  of  God  our  Saviour,  and  Lord 
Jefus  Chrifr,  which  is  our  hope. 

(d)  John  xvii.  6.  I  have  manifefled  thy  name  unto 
the  men  which  thou  gaveft  me  out  of  the  world  :  thine 
they  were,  and  thou  gavefl  them  me.     iTim.  i,    12. 


Part.  III.  The  Belie-vtr's  RiMc 

He  paid  the  double  debt,  well  known 
To  be  all  mine,  yet  all  his  own  (f). 
Hence,  though  I  neJer  had  more  or  lefs 
Of  juftice-pleafing  righteoumcfs  (/"), 
<Yet  here  is  one  wrought  to  my  hand, 
As  full  as  juftice  can  demand  (g). 

By  this  my  judge  i*  more  appeasM 
Than  e'er  my  Sivhis  honour  l&e'd  (£). 


V«« 


I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  I  am  perfuaded 
that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  comraited  unto 
him  againft  that  day. 

(e)  If.  liii.  4*  5.6.  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs, 
and  carried  our  forrows :  yet  we  did  efteem  him  ftrick- 
en,  fmitten  of  God,  and  afflicted.  Sut  he  was  wound- 
ed for  our  tranfgreffions,  he  was  Wuifed  for  our  iniqui- 
ties: the  chaftifement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  and 
with  his  ftripes  we  are  healed.  All  we  like  fheep  have 
gone  aftray  :  we  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own  way, 
and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all. 
<v.  8.  For  the  tranfgreffion  of  my  people  was  he  ftrick- 
en.  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  fe  much  was  Jefus  made  a  furety 
of  a  better  teftament. 

if)  Rom.  in.  9.  10.  19.   See  letter '(g)  forfeited. 

{g)  Dan.  ix.  24.  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  up- 
on thy  people,  and  upon  thy  holy  city^  to  finifh  the 
tranfgrefSon,  and  to  make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make 
reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everlafting 
righteoufnefs,  &c.  Zecb.  xm.  7.  Awake,  O  fword, 
againft  my  fhep herd,  and  againft  the  man  that  is  my 
fellow,  faith  the  Lord  of  hofts  :  fmite  the  fhepherd, 
and  the  fheep  mall  be  fcattered :  and  I  will  turn  mine 
hand  upon  the  little  ones. 

(h)  Rom.  v.  8.  9.  10.  11.  But  God  commendethhis 
love  towards  us,  in  that  while  we  were  yet  finners, 
Chrift  died  for  us.     Much  more  than  being  now  iuftin- 

ed 


l80  GOSTBL      SOHRETS, 

Yea,  juftiee  can't  be  pleas'd  {o  weU 
By  all.  the  torment*  borne  in  hell  (?).    * 

Pull  fatiffaction  here  is  fuch, 

As  hell  can  never  yield  (o  much  (i) ; 


ed  by  his  blood,  we  fhali  be  faved  from  wrath  througk 
him.  For  if  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  recon- 
ciled to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son :  much  more  be- 
ing reconciled,  we  fhall  be  faved  by  his  life.  And  not 
only  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy  in  God,  through  our  Lord 
jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  received  the  a- 
tonement.  Heb.  ix.  14.  How  much  more  fliall  the 
blood  of  Chrift,  who,  through  the  eternal  Spirit,  of- 
fered himfelf  without  l^ot  to  God,  purge  your  confci- 
ence  from  dead  works  to  ferve  the  living  God? 

(;')  Heb.  x,  5.  6.  Wherefore  when  he  ccmeth  in- 
to the  world,  he  faith,  Sacrifice  and  offering  thou 
wouldft  not,  but  a  body  haft  thou  prepared  me :  in 
burnt-offerings  and  focrinces  for  fin  thou  haft  had  no 
pleafure.  1/.  14.  By  one  offering  he  hath  perfected 
for  ever  them  that  are  fan&ified.  v.  29.  Of  how 
muchforer  punifhment,  fuppofe  ye,  fhall  he  bethotight 
worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot  the  Son  of  God, 
and  hath  counted  the  blood  of  the  covenant,  where- 
with he  was  fanctified,  an  unholy  thing,  and  hath  done 
.  defpite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace  ? 

{k)  Rom.  v.  II.  See  Utter  (b).  Eph.  v.  2.  Chrift 
hath  given  himfelf  for  us,  an  offering  and  a  facrince  to 
God  for  a  fweet-fmeiiing  favor.  1  Pet.  i.  18.  19 
Forafmnch  as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with 
corruptible  things,  as  fiiver  and  gold,  from  your  vain 
converfation  received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers  ; 
but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Chrift,  as  of  a  Lamb 
without blemilh  and  without  fpot.  GaL'iii.  15.  Chrift 
hath  redeemed  us  from  the  csrfe  of  the  law,  being 
made  a  curfe  for  us. 


Part  HI.  tth  Bdie<vtr"s  Riddle .  1 8 1 

Though  juftice  therefore  might  me  damn, 
Yet  by  mere  juftice  fav'd  I  am  (/j. 

Here  ev'ry  divine  property- 
Is  to  the  highefl  fet  en  high  (»*); 
Hence  God  his  glory  would  injure, 
If  my  falvation  were  not  fure  («)« 

CL  My 


(/)  Pet.  iii.  18.  Chrift  hath  once  fuffered  for  fins, 
the  juft  for  the  unjuft,  (that  he  might  bring  us  to  God), 
being  put  to  death  in  the  fleih,  but  quickened  by  the 
Spirit.  R.om.  iii.  16.  To  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time 
his  righteoufnefs :  that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juf- 
tifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jefus.  1  John  ii.  2. 
And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  bur  fins:  and  not  for 
curs  only,  but  alio  for  the  fins  of  the  whole  world. 
Chap.  iv.  10.  Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God, 
but  that  he  loved  us,  and  fent  his  Son  to  be  the  propi- 
tiation for  our  fins, 

(m)  Rom.  iii.  25.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be 
a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare 
his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remifiion  of  fins  that  are  pair, 
through  the  forbearance  of  God.  PJaL  Ixxxv.  ic. 
Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together  :  righteoufnefs  and 
peace  have  killed  each  other.  2  Ccr.  v.  iS,  19.  And 
all  things  are  of  God,  who  hath  reconciled  us  to  him - 
felf  by  Jefus  Chriil,  and  hath  given  to  us  the  reiniftry 
of  reconciliation  ;  to  wit,  that  God  was  in  Chriit,  re- 
conciling the  world  unto  himftlf,  not  imputing  their 
trefpafTes  unto  them;  and  hath  committed  unto  us  th  ; 
word  of  reconciliation.  -z».  21.  For  he  hath  made  him 
to  be  fm  forus,  who  knew  no  fin;  that  we  might  be 
made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  Luke  ii.  14. 
Glory  to  God  in  the  highefr,  and  en  earth  peace, 
good  will  towards  men. 

in)  If.  xViv.  23.  Sing  O  ye  heavens;"  for  the  Lord 
hath    done   it :  fhout  ye   lower  parts   of  the   earth  : 

break 


182  Gospel     S  on  nets. 

My  peace  and  fafety  lie  in  this, 

My  creditor  my  furety  is  (o) 

The  judgment-day  I  dread  the  lels, 

My  judge  is  made  my  righteoufnefs  (/). 

He  paid  out  for  a  bankrupt-crew 
The  debt  that  to  himfelf  was  due  ; 
Andfatisfy'd  himfelf  for  me, 
When  he  did  juftice  fatisfy  {q). 

He 


break  forth into  finging,  ye  mountains,  O  foreft,  and 
every  tree  therein ;  for  the  Lord  hath  redeemed  Jacob, 
and  glorified  himfelf  in  Ifrael.  Epb.  i.  6.  To  the 
praife  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein  he  hath  made 
us  accepted  in  the  beloved,  v.  12.  That  we  fhould 
be  to  the  praife  of  his  glory,  who  firil  trufted  in  Chrift. 
{0)  Pfal.  cxix.  122.  Be  furety  for  thy  fervant 
for  good;  let  not  the  proud  opprefs  me.  Heb.  vii.  22. 
By  fo  much  was  Jefus  made  a  furety  of  a  better  tefta- 
ment. 

(p)  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift 
Jefus,  who  of  God  is  made  unto  us— righteoufnefs. 
Chap.  xv.  55.  56.  57.  Odeath,  where  is  thy  fling  ? 
O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  The  fling  of  death  is 
fin  ;  and  the  ftrength  of  fin  is  the  law.  But  thanks  be 
to  God  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord 
Jefus  Chrift. 

Cj)  Zech.  xiii.  7.  See  letter  (g).  Rom.  ix.  5.  Chrift 
is  over  all,  God  bleffed  forever.  Phil.  ii.  6.  7.  8. 
Chrift  Jefus  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not 
robbery  to  be  equal  with  God  :  but  made  himfelf  of 
no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  fer- 
vant, and  was  madein  thelikenefs  of  men  :  and  being 
found  in  falhion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himfelf,  and 
became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the 
cfoTs. 


Part.  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle,  1S3 

He  to  the  law,  though  Lord  of  it, 
Did  moft  obediently  fubmit  (r). 
What  he  ne'er  broke,  and  yet  muft  die, 
I  never  kept,  yet  live  muft  I  (/). 

The  law,  which  him  its  keeper  kill'd, 
In  me  its  breaker  is  fulfill'd  (/)  ; 

Yea,  magnify'd  and  honour'd  more 
Than  fin  defae'd  it  e'er  before  (/). 

Q^  z  Hence, 


(r)  Ibid.  Gal.  iv.  4.  5.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of 
the  time  was  come  God  fent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a 
woman,  made  under  the  law,  to  redeem,  them  that 
were  under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adop- 
tion of  fons. 

if)  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  See  letter  (1).  z  Cor.  v.  21.  See 
letter  (m).  1  John  iv.  9.  In  this  was  manifeiled  the 
love  of  God  towards  us,  becaufe  that  God  fent  his  only 
begotten  Son  into  the  world,  that  we  might  live 
through  him. 

(s)  Rom.  viii.  3.  4.  For  what  the  law  could  not 
do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  fend- 
ing his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  fmful  flefh,  and  for 
fin  condemned  fin  in  the  flefh  :  that  the  righteoufnefs 
of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after 
the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 

(/)  If.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his 
righteoufnefs  fake,  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make 
it  honourable.  Rom.  v.  x8,  19.  20.  21.  There- 
fore as  by  the  offence  of  one  judgment  came  upon  all 
men  to  condemnation :  even  fo  by  the  righteoufnefs  of 
one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  j  unification 
of  lifd.  For  as  by  one  man's  difobedience  many  were 
made  finners :  fo  by  the  obedience  of  one  fhall  many 
be  made  righteous.  Moreover,  the  law  entered,  that 
the  offence  might  abound :   But  where  fin  abounded, 

crace 


I  84  GOSPEL       S  O  K  K  H   T  S, 

Hence,  though   the  law  condemn  at  large, 
It  can  lay  nothing  to  my  charge  («) ; 
Nor  find  fuch  ground  to  challenge  me, 
As  Heav'n  hath  found  to  juftify  (v). 

But  though  he  freely  me  remit, 

I  never  can  myfelf  acquit  (ic). 

My  judge  condemns  me  not,  I  grant; 

Yet  juftify  myfelf  I  can't  '*■).  From 


grace  did  much  more  abound  :  that  as  fin  hath  reigned 
unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign  through  righte- 
oufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

(a)  Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now  no  con- 
demnation to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus.  <v.  3. 
4.  See  letter  (s).  ^.33.  34.  Who  mall  lay  any 
thing  to  -the  charge  of  God's  elect  ?  It  is  God  that  jef  ■ 
tiiieth  :  who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that 
died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at 
the  right  hand  c.f  God,  who  alfo  maketh  intcrceffion 
■or  us. 

(<v)  Job  xxxiii.  24.  Then  he  is  gracious  unto  him, , 
and  faith,  Deliver  him  from  going  down  to  the  pit,  I 
have  found  a  ranfom.  Rem.  iii.  25.  26.  V/hom 
God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith 
in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remif- 
i:on  of  fins  that  are  paft,  through  the  forbearance  of 
God  ;  to  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs  : 
that  he  might  be  juft,  and  the  juftiner  of  him  which 
believeth  in  Jefus. 

(nv)  2  Sam. '  xii.  13.  And  David  faid  unto  Nathan, 
I  have  finned  againft  the  Lsrd.  And  Nathan  faid 
unto  David,  The  Lord  alfo  hath  put  away  thy  fin; 
thou  (halt  not  die.  PfaL  li.  2.  3.  Warn  me  through- 
ly from  mine  iniquity,  and  cieanfe  me  from  my  fin. 
For  I  acknowledge  mv  tranfgrefiions :  and  my  fin  is 
ever  before  me. 

(x)  Rom.  viii.    1.   33.  See  Utter  (u).  Job  ix.   29.  If 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle,  185 

From  him  I  have  a  pardon  got, 
But  yet  myfelf  I  pardon  not  (y). 
His  rich  forgivenefs  ft  ill  I  have, 
Yet  never  can  myfelf  forgive  (%). 

The  more  he's  toward  me  appeas'd, 
The  more  I'm  with  myfelf  difpleas'd  (a)  > 
The  more  I  am  abfolv'd  by  him, 
The  more  I  do  myfelf  condemn  (&). 

tj    %  When 


I  juftify  myfelf,  mine  ov/n  mouth  mall   condemn  me  : 
if  I  fay,  I  am  perfect.,  it  mail  alfo  prove  me  perverfe. 

(v)  2  Cor.  vii.  u.  For  behold,  this  felf- fame  thing 
that  ye  forrowed  after  a  godly  fort,  what  carefulnefs 
it  wrought  in  you,  yea,  what  clearing  of  yourfelves, 
yea,  what  indignation,  yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what 
vehement  defire,  yea,  what  zeal,  yea,  what  revenge  I 

(z)  If.  xxxviii.  15.  What  mail  I  fay?  he  hath 
both  fpoken  unto  me,  and  himfelf  hath  done  it :  I 
fhall  go  foftly  all  my  years  in  the  bitternefs  of  my  foul. 

(a)  Ezek.  xvi.  63  That  thou  mayit  remember  and 
be  confounded,  and  never  open  thy  mouth  any  morn 
becauie  of  thy  fliame,  when  I  am  pacified  toward  thee 
for  all  that  thou  haft   done,  faith  the  Lord  Gcd. 

(£)  Luke  xviii  13,  14.  And  the  publican  Handing 
afar  off",  would  not  lift  up  fo  much  as  his  eyes  unto  hea- 
ven, but  fmote  upon  his  breaft,  faying,  God  be  mer- 
ciful to  me  a  finner.  I  tell  you,  this  man  went  down 
to  his  houfe  juftified  rather  than  the  other:  for  every 
one  that  exalteth  himfelf,  mall  be  abafed  ;  and  he  that 
humbleth  himfelf,  mall  be  exalted.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31. 
32.  Then  mail  ye  remember  your  own  evil  ways,  and 
your  deings  that  were  not  good,  and  (hall  loath  your- 
felves in  your  own  fight,  for  your  inniquities,  and  for 
your  abominations.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this, 
faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  be  aiham- 
ed  and  confounded  for  youT  own  ways,  O  houfe  of  If- 
rael.  Jer.  xxxi.  19.     Surely  after  that  I -was-  turned, 


i.36  Gospel     S.o 


N  K   E  T 


When  he  in  heav'n  dooms  me  to  dwell, 

Then  I  adjudge  myfeif  to  hell  (r)  ; 

Yet  ftill  I  to  his  judgment  'gree, 

And  clear  him  for  abfolving  me  (d) .  Thus 


I  repented;  and  after  that  I  was  inftructed,  I  fmote 
upon  rny  thigh:  I. was  afhamsd,  yea,,  even  confound- 
ed, becaufe  I  did  bear  the  reproach  pf  my  youth. 

(r)  Mattb.  xxv.  34.  35.  36.  37.  38.  39.  Then 
fhall  the  King  fay  unto  them  on  his  right  hand,  Come, 
ye  bleffed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepar- 
ed for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.  For  I 
was  an  hungred,  and  ye  gaye  me,  meat :  I  was  thinly, 
and  ye  gave  me  drink  :  I  was  a  ftranger,  and  ye  took 
me  in  :  naked,  and  .ye  clothed  me  :  I  was  fick,  and 
ye  vifited  me  :  I  was  in  prifon,  and  ye  came  unto  me. 
Then  mall  the  righteous  anfwer  him,  faying,  Lord, 
when  faw  we  thee  an  hungred,  and  fed  thee  f  or  thir- 
ty, and  gave  thee  drink  ?  When  faw.  we  thee  a  Gran- 
ger, and  took  thee  in  ?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee  ? 
Or  when  faw  we  thee  fick,  or  in  prifon,  and  came  un- 
to thee?  1  Cor.  xi.  31.  If  we  would  judge  curfelves, 
we  mould  not  be  judged.  Lukexv.  20.  21.  And  he 
[the  prodigal  fon j  arofe,  and  came  to  his  father.  But 
when  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off,  his  father  faw  him, 
and  had  companion,  and  ran,  and  fell  on  his  neck, 
and  kifTed  him.  And  he  {aid  unto  him,  Father,  I 
finned  againlt  heaven,  and  in  thy  fight,  and  am 
no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  fon.  Gen.  xxxii.  9. 
10.  And  Jacob  faid,  O  God  of  my  father  Abraham, 
and  God  of  my  father  Ifaac,.  the  kord  which  faidft  un- 
to me,  Pveturn  unto  thy  country,  and  to  thy  kindred, 
and  I  will  deal  with  thee:  lam  not  worthy  of  the 
kail  of  all  the.  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which 
thou  haft  "mewed  unto  thy  fervant ;  for  with  my  ftaff  I 
paffed  over  this  Jordan,  and  now  I  am  become  two 
fcands. 

(d)  Pfc.L  Ii.  4.  Agalnft  thee,    thee   only,  have  I 

finned,' 


MIT  IfL  Tie  Believer's  Riddle.  r$j 

Thus  he  clears  me,  and  I  him  clear, 
I  juftify  my  j  uliifier  (e)  -.- 
Let  him  condemnor  juftify, 
From  all  injuftice  I  hiis  free  (f). 

SECT, 


finned,1  and  done  this  evil  in  thy- fight:  the.:  -thou 
mighefl  be  juflified  when  thou  fpeakeit,  and  be  clear 
when  thou  judged.  &  xi.  7.  The  righteous  Lord 
loveth  righteoufnefs,  his  countenance  doth  behold  the 
upright.  tffcxiv.  16.  17.  Thou  openeft  thine  hand, 
and  fatisfieft  the  defire  of  every  living  thing.  The 
Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his 
works.  Rev.  xv.  3.  And  they  fing  the  fong  of  Mofcs 
the  fervant  of  God,  and  the  fong  of  the.  Lamb,  faying;, 
Great  and" marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  al- 
mighty ;juft  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of 
faints. 

.  (e)  Rom.  ill.  z5.  To  declare,  I  fay,  at  this  time 
his  righteoufnefs :  that  he  might  be  juit,  and  the  jufti- 
fier  of  hisa  which  beiieveth  in  jefus*  If.  xlv.  21, 
There  is  no  God  elfe  beiide  me,  a  jail  God  and  a  favi- 
our.  <v.  .24.  Surely,  (hall  one  fay.,  In  the  Lord  have 
I  righteoufnefs  and  ftrength;  .  Chap,  Ixiii.  1.  Who 
13  this  that  cometh  from  Edom,  with  dyed  garments 
from  Bozrah  ?  this  that  is  glorious  in  his  apparel,  tra- 
velling in  the  greatnefs  of  his  ftrength  ?  I  that  fpake 
in  righteoufnefs,  mighty  to  fave.  Zech.  ix.  9.  Re- 
joice greatly,  O  daughter  of  Zion;  fhout,  O  daugh- 
ter of  Jerufalem  :  behold,  thy  king  cometh  unto  thee : 
he  is  juit,  and  having  falvation,  £sfr. 

(f)  Job  xxv.  4.  5.  6.  How  then  can  man  be  jus- 
tified with  God  ?  or  how  can  he  be  clean  that,  is  born 
of  a  woman  ?  Behold  even  to  the  moon,  and  it  ihi- 
neth  not ;  yea,  the  2ars  are  not  pure  in  his  fight,  How 
muchlefs  man  that  is  a  worm  :  and  the  fon  of  man 
which  is  a  worm  ?  PfaL  Ixxxix.  14.  juftice  and  judg- 
ment are  the  habitation  of  thy  throne  :  mercy  and 

'  truth 


ill  [6  o  s  p  n     Sonnets. 


SECT.     VIII, 

1  hi  My  fiery  of  Sanflif cation  imperfeft  in  this  Life;  or  the 
Believer  doing  all,  and  doing  nothing. 


M 


Ine  arms  embrace  my  God  (a),  yet  I 
Had  never  arms  to  reach  fo  high  (£) 


His 


truth  Ihall  go  before  thy  face.  &  xcvii.  2.  Clouds 
and  darknefs  are  round  about  him:  righteoufnefs  and 
judgment  are  the  habitation  of  his  throne.  Rom.  iii. 
19.  20.  Now  we  know  that  what  things  foever  the 
law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the  law  :  that 
every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may 
become  guilty  before  God.  Therefore,  by  the  deeds 
of  the  law,  there  mail  no  fleih  be  juflified  in  his 
fight:  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  fin.  v.  33. 
24.  25.  For  all  have  fmned,  and  come  fhort  of  the 
glory  of  God ;  being  juflified  freely  by  his  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift  :  whom 
God  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a.  propitiation,  through  faith 
in  his  blood,  to  declare  his  righteoufnefs  for  the  re- 
miffion  of  fins  that  are  paft,  through  the  forbearance  of 
God.  Pfal.  xxii.  2.  3.  O  my  God,  I  cry  in  the  day- 
time, but  thou  heareft  not ;  and  in  the  night-feafon, 
and  am  not  filent.  But  thou  art  holy,  O'thou  that  in- 
habitefl  the  praifes  of  Ifrael. 

(a)  Songiii.  4.  It  was  but  alitt-le  that  I  pafTed  from 
them,  but  I  found  him  whom  my  foul  loveth  :  I  held 
him,  and  would  not  let  him  go,  until  I  had  brought 
him  into  my  mother's  houfe,  and  into  the  chamber  of 
her  that  conceived  me. 

(b)  Pfal.  Ixi.  2.  From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I 
cry  unto  thee,  when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed  :  lead 
aie  to  the  rock  that  is  higher  than  I. 


Fart  HI.  The   Bdi:-veSs  Riddk. 

His  arms  alone  me  holds  (c),  yet  lo, 
I  hold  and  will  not  let  him  go  (</)- 

I  do  according  to  his  call, 

And  yet  not  I,  but  he  does  all  [e) ; 

Bat  though  he  works  to  will  and  do  (/% 

I  without  force  work  freely  too  (g  . 

His  will  and  mine  agree  full  well  fh)r 
Yet  difagreelike  lieav'n  and  hell  ft). 


m 


(c)  Pfal.  lxiii.  8.  My  foul  foiloweth  hard  after 
thee  :  thy  right  hand  upholdeth  me.  If  xli.  10.  Fear 
thou  not,  for  I  am  with  thee  :  be  not  difmayed,  for  I 
am  thy  God  :  I  will  ftrengthen  thee,  yea,  I  will  help 
thee,  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand  of 
my  righteoufnefs. 

(d)  Gen.  xxxii*  26.  And  he  [the  angel]  faid,  Let 
me  go,  for  the  day  breaketh  :  And  he  [Jacob]  faid,  I 
will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  blefs  me. 

fe)  \  Cor.  xv.  10.  But  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am 
what  I  am:  and  his  gra^e  which  was  bellowed  upon: 
me,  was  not  in  vain ;  but  I  laboured. more  abundantly 
than  they  all :  yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  of  God  which 
was  with  me.  <v.  58.  Therefore,  my  beloved  bre- 
thren, be  ye  iledfaft,  uhmoveable,  always  abounding 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forafmuch  as  ye  know  that 
your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

ff)  Philip,  ii.  15.  It  is  God  which  vvorketh  in  you,, 
both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleafure. 

fg)  Ffal.  ex.  3.  Thy  people  mall  be  willing  in  the 
day  of  thy  power,  cxvi.  16.  Oh  Lord,  truly  I  am  thy 
fervant,  I  am  thy  fervant,  and  the  fon  of  thy  hand- 
maid :  thou  haft  loofed  my  bonds. 

(b)  Mattb.  vi.  10.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth  as  it 
is  in  heaven.  Pfal.  xl.  8.  I  delight  to  do  thy  will,  O 
my  God :  yea,   thy  law  is  within  my  heart. 

ft)  Mattb.  xxi.  28.  29.  A  certain  man  had  two 
fons,  and  he  came  to  the  nrft,  and  faid,  Son,  go  work 


190  Gospel     S  »  r  n  n  j, 

i    His  nature's  mine  (k)t  and  mine  is  his  (I)  \ 
Yet  fo  was  never  that  nor  this  (m). 

I  know  him  and  his  name,  yet  own 

He  and  his  name  can  ne'er  be  known  (n). 

His  gracious  coming  makes  me  do; 

1  know  he  comes,  yet  know  not  how  (o). 


to  day  in  my  vineyard.  He  anfwered  and  faid,  I  will 
not,  cffr.  John  v.  40.  Ye  will  not  come  to  me,  that  ye 
might  have  life.  Matth.  xxiii.  37.  O  Jerufalem,  Jeru- 
falem,  thou  that  killefl  the  prophets,  and  ftoneft  them 
which  are  fent  unto  thee,  how  often  would  I  have  gath- 
ered thy  children  together,  even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her 
chickens  under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not ! 

(k)  2  Pet.  i.  4.  Whereby  are  given  unto  us  exceed- 
ing great  and  precious  promifes;  that  by  thefe  you 
might  be  partakers  of  the  divine  nature. 

(I)  Heb.  ii.  14.  Forafmuch  then  as  the  children  are 
partakers  of  flefh  and  blood,  he  alfo  himfelf  likewife 
took  part  of  the  fame.  <z,\  16.  For  verily  he  took  not 
on  him  the  nature  of  angels ;  but  he  took  on  him  the 
feed  of  Abraham. 

(m)  If.  xl.  17.  18.  All  nations  before  him  are  as 
nothing,  and  they  are  counted  to  him  lefs  than  no- 
thing, snd  vanity.  To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God? 
or  what  likenefs  will  ye  compare  unto  him  r 

(n)  Phi.  ix.  10.  They  that  know  thy  name  will 
put  their  truft  in  thee.  Pro<v.  xxx.  3.  4.  I  [Agur]  nei- 
ther learned  wifdom,  nor  have  the  knowledge  of  the 
holy.  Who  hath  afcended  up  into  heaven,  or  defen- 
ded ?  who  hath  gathered  the  wind  in  his  fills  ?  who  hath 
bound  the  waters  in  a  garment?  who  hath  eftablifhed 
all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ?  what  is  his  name,  and  what  is 
his  fon's  name,  if  thou  canft  tell  ? 

(0)  Song'w.  16.  Awake,  O  north-wind,  and  come, 
thou  fouth,  blow  upon  my  garden,  that  the  fpices 
thereof  may  flow  out :  let  my  beloved  come  into  his 
garden,  and  eat  his  pleafant  fruits.  John  iii.  8.  The 

wind 


Part  III.  The  Be/ie-ver's  Riddle,  \§\ 

I  have  no  good  but  what  he  gave  (p)y 
Yet  he  commends  the  good  I  have  (q). 
And  though  my  good  to  him  afcends  (r), 
My  goodnefs  to  him  ne'er  extends  (f)\ 

I  take  hold  of  his  cov'nant  free  (s), 

But 


wind  blovveth  where  it  lifteth,  and  thou  heareft  the 
found  thereof,  but  canft  not  tell  whence  it  cometh,  and 
whither  it  goeth :  fo  is  every  one  that  is  bom  of  the 
Spirit. 

(p)  i  Chron.  xxix.  14.  And  David  faid, — But  who 
am  I,  and  what  is  my  people,  that  we  mould  be  able  to 
©iFer  fo  willingly  after  this  fort  ?  for  all  things  come  of 
thee,  and  of  thine  own  have  we  given  thee.  2  Cor.  iii. 
5 .  Not  that  we  are  fumcient  of  ourfelves  to  think  any 
thing  as  of  ourfelves :  but  our  fumciency  is  of  God. 

(q)  2  Cor.  x.  18.  For  not  he  that  commendeth 
himfelf  is  approved,  but  whom  the  Lord  commendeth. 
Rom.  xii.  1.  2.  I  befeech  you  therefere,  brethren,  by 
the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  prefent  your  bodies  a  liv- 
ing facrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which  is 
your  reafonable  fervice.  And  be  not  conformed  to  this 
world ,  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your 
mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  accep- 
table, and  perfect  will  of  God. 

(r)  Pfal.  xxv.  i.  Unto  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up 
my  foul.  cxli.  2.  Let  my  prayer  be  fet  forth  before  thee 
as  incenfe :  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands,  as  the 
evening-facrifice.  Epb.  iii.  12.  In  whom  [Chriit  Jefus] 
we  have  boldnefs  and  accefs  with  confidence  by  the 
faith  of  him.  Heb.  x.  19.  Having  therefore,  brethren, 
boldnefs  to  enter  into  the  holieit  by  the  blood  of  Jefus, 

(/)  Pfal.  xvi.  2.  O  my  foul,  thou  had  faid  unto 
the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  Lord:  my  goodnefs  extendeth 
not  to  thee. 

(s)  If  Ivi.  4.  Thus  faith  the  Lord  unto  the  eunuchs 
that — take  hold  of  my  covenant,  cj>r.  <v.  6.  Alfo  the 

-  foes 


I  o  i  Gospel     Sonnets. 

But  find  it  muft  take  hold  of  me    (/). 
Pm  bound  to  keep  it  (#),  yet  'tis  bail, 
And  bound  to  keep  me  without  fail  (a/). 


fons   of  the  itranger,  that  join  themfelves  to  the   Lord 
to  ferve  him,  and  to  love  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to   b  ■ 
his  fervants,  everyone  that*— taketh  hold  of  my  coven-; 
ant,  &e. 

(/)  Zecb.  i.  6.  But  my  words  and  my  ftatutes.j 
which  I  commanded  my  fervants  the  prophets,  did 
they  not  take  hold  of  your  fathers?  and  they  returned 
and  faid,  Like  as  the  Lord  of  hofts  thought  to  do  unto 
us,  according  to  our  ways,  and  according  to  our  do- 
ings, fo  hathhedcalt  with  us.  Pj'al.  ex.  2.  3.  The 
Lord  mall  fend  the  rod  of  thy  ftrength  out  of  Zion  : 
rule  thou  in  the  minds  of  thine  enemies.  Thy  people 
fhall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power,  &c.  Rom.  i. 
16.  I  am  not  afhamed  of  the  gofpel  of  Chi  ill:  for  ic  i3 
the  power  of  God  unto  falvation,  to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth,  to  the  Jew  firft,  and  alfo  to  the  Greek.  2  Cor. 
ii.  16.— to  the  other  we  are  the  favour  of  life  unto  life: 
and  who  is  fufficient  for  thefe  things  ? 

{u)  Pfal.  ciii.  17.  18.  The  mercy  of  the  Lord  is 
from  everlafting  to  everlafting  upon  them  that  fear 
him:  and  his  righteoufnefs  unto  childrens  children:  to 
fuch  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to  thofe  that  remember 
his  commandments  to  do  them.  John  xvii.  -6.  I  have 
manifefted  thy  name  unto  the  men  which  thou  gavefl 
me  out  of  the  world :  thine  they  were,  and  thou  gavefl 
them  me;  and  they  have  kept  thy  word. 

(*>)  Pfal.  lxxxix.  33.  34.  35.  36.  Nevertheless, 
my  loving  kindnefs  will  I  not  utterly  take  from  him, 
nor  fuffer  my  falthfulnefs  to  fail.  My  covenant  will  I 
not  break,  nor  alter  the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my 
lips.  Once  have  I  fworn  by  my  holinefs,  that  I  will  not 
Ive  unto  David.  His  feed  fhall  endure  for  ever,  and  his 
throne  as  the  fun  before  me. 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Kiddie.  193 

The  bond  on  my  paTt  cannot  laft  (iv)9 
Yet  on  both  fides  rlands  firm  and  fait  (a-), 
I.  break  my  bands  at  ev'ry  Ihock, 
Vet  never  is  the  bargain  broke  (j). 


Daily,  alas!  I  difobey  («), 

Yet  yield  obedience  ev'ry  dav  {a). 

R       *  I'm 


(w)  Tfal  Ixxxix.  3c  31.  32.  If  his  children  for- 
fake  my  law,  and  walk  not  in.  toy  judgments;  if  they 
break  my  ftatutes,  and  keep  not  my  commandments : 
then  will  I  vifit  their  tranfgreffion  with  the  rod,  and 
their  iniquity  with  {tripes. 

(,v)  Pfal.  lxxxix.  2.  3.  4.  For  I  have  faid,  Mercy 
lhall  be  built  up  for  ever:  thy  faithfulnefs  malt  thou 
eilabliih  in  the  very  heavens.  I  have  made  a  covenant 
with'  my  chofen,  I  have  fvvorn  unto  David  my  fervant. 
Thy  feed  will  I  eftablifh  for  ever,  and  build  up  thy 
throne  to  ail  generations,  -u.  28.  29.  My  mercy  will 
I  keep  for  him  for  evermore,  and  my  covenant  mill 
flancl  fail  with  him.. His  feed  alfo  will  I  make  to  en- 
dure for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  days  of  heaven. 
jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will  make  an  everlafling  cove* 
nant  with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  to 
do  them  good;  but  I  will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts, 
that  they  mall  not  depart  from  me. 

(j)  P/ai-  Ixxviii.  37.  Their  heart  was  not  right 
with  him,  neither  were  they  itedlaft  in  his  covenant. 
If.  h'V.  10.  The  mountains  lnall 'depart,  and  the  hills 
be  removed,  but  my  kindnefsfhall  not  depart  from 
neither  (hall  the. covenant  of  my  peace  be  remov- 
ed, faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 

(%,)   J  a;;:::  iii.   2.  In  many  tilings  we  offend  cdl. 

(a)  Pjal.  Ixi.  8.  So  will  I  fing   praile    unto 

ever,  that   i  may  daily   perform   my  vows', 
iii.   33.  But   exhort  one  another  daily  while  it  \i 
.  To  day;  left  any  of  yofc  be  hardened   tluo  gh 
the  iecdtlulnefs  cffin. 


*9i  G  o  s  p  e  Son 


t  s; 


I'm  an  i-mperfeft  perfect  man  (t), 
That  can  do  all,  yet  nothing  can  (<•). 
I'm  from  beneath  (</),  and  from  above  (*), 
A  child  of  wrath  (f),  a  child  of  love  (g). 
A  ilranger  e'en  where  all  me  knew; 
A  pilgrim,  yet  I  no  where  go  (h). 

I  trade  abroad,  yet  ftay  at  home  (/) ;  My 

(b)  Pfal.  xxxvii.  37.  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and 
behold  the  upright:  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace. 
Rev.  iii.  2.  Be  watchful,  and  ilrengthen  the  things 
which  remain,  that  are  ready  to  die:  fori  have  not 
found  thy  works  perfect  before  God. 

(r)  Philip,  iv.  13.  I  can  do  all  things  through 
Chrift  which  frrengtheneth  me.  John  xv.  5.  I  am  the 
vine,  ye  are  the  branches :  He  that  abideth  in  me,  and 
I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth  forth  much  fruit:  for 
without  me  ye  can  do  nothing. 

(*0  Jcfm  viii.  23.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  the  Jewa, 
Ye  are  from  beneath—:  ye  are  of  this  world,  &c. 

(e)  Gal.  iv.  26.  Jerufalem  which  is  above,  is  free, 
which  is  the  mother  of  as  all.  v.  28.  Now  we,  bre- 
thren, c*  Ifaac  was,  are  the  children  of  promife.  John 
i.  13.  Which  were  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will 
of  the  flefh,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God. 
Chap.  iii.  c.  6.  Jefus  anfwered,  Verily,  veiily  I  fay 
unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be  born  of  water,  and  of  the 
Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.-— ■ 
That  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit,  is  fpirit. 

(f)  Eph.  ii.  3.  We — were  by  nature  the  children 
of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

(g)  Rom.  ix.  8. — The  children  of  the  promife  are 
counted  for  the  feed. 

{]})  Heb.  xi.  13.  Thefe  all — confetfed  that  they 
were  ftrangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth.  1  Pet.  ii. 
1 1 .  Dearly  beloved,  I  befeech  you  as  ftrangers  and  pil- 
grims, C5V. 

(/')  Philip,  iii.  20.  For  our  converfation  is  in  hea- 
ven, from  whence  alio  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift. 


Part.  III.  The  Believer's   Kiddle.  195 

My  tabernacle  is  my  tomb  (i). 
,  I  can  be  priibn'd,  yet  abroad ; 
Bound  hand  and  foot,  yet  walk  with  God  (I). 

SECT.     IX. 

The  my  fiery  of  'various  names  given  to  faints  and  church  cf 
Chrift;  or>  The  fiejb  and  Spirit  defer  ibid 'from  inani- 
mate things,  'vegetables  and  fenfiti<ves, 


T 


O  teH  the  world  my  proper  harner . 
Is  both  my  glory  and  my  fhame  (/;): 

R    2  For 


(P  •  2  Cor.  v.  1 .  2.  For  we  know,  that  if  our  earth- 
ly houfe  of  this  tabernacle  were  dLfolvgd,  we  have  a 
building  of  God,  an  houfe  not  made  wHs  haneds,  eter- 
nal in  the  heavens.  For  in  this  we  groan  earneftly,  de- 
firing  to  be  clothed  upon  with  our  houfe  which  is  from 
heaven,  <v.  4.  For  we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do 
groan,  -being  burdened :  not  for  that  we  would  be  cm~ 
clothed,  but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality  might  be 
fwallowed  up  of  life. 

(/)  Acts  xvi.  24.  25.  The'jailor* having  received 
fuch  a  charge,  thruir  them  into  the  inner  prifon,  and 
made  their  feet  fall  in  the  flocks.  And  at  midnight 
Paul  and  Silas  prayed,  and  fang  praifes  unto  God.  2 
Tim.  ii.  9.  Wherein  I  fuffer  trouble  as  an  evil-doer, 
even  unto  bonds ;  but  the  word  of  God  is  not  bound. 
2  Cor.  vi.  4.  5.  But  in  all  things  approving  ourfelves 
as  the  miniilers  of  God,  in  much  patience,  in  afflic- 
tions, in  neceffities,  in  diilrefTes.  in  flripes,  in  impri- 
fonments,  in  tumults,  in  labours,  in  watchings,  iufaf- 
tings. 

(«)  JHof.  i.  9.  Then  faid  God,  Call  his  name  I.c- 
ammi:  for  ye  are  not  my  people,  and  I  will  not  be 
your  God.  Chap.  ii.  1.  Say  ye  unto  your  brethren^ 
Ammi,  and  to  your  fillers,  Ruhamah.  <v.  23.  And  I 
will  have  mercy  upon  her  that  had  not  obtained  mer-y, 
and  I  will  fay  to  thex^v which  .were  not  my  people, 

Thou 


zcjS  Gospel     Son  wets. 

For  like  my  black  but  comely  face, 
My  liarne  is  fin,  my  name  is  grace  (£.) 

Mpft  fitly  I'm  afiimilate 

To  various  things  inanimate  \ 

A  franking  lake  (0,  a  running  fiood  (^), 
A -fixed  ftar  (*),  a  paffing  cloud  (f). 


Thou  arc  my  people;  and  they  mall  fay,  Thou  art  my 
God. 

{1)  Song.  i.  5.  I  p.m  black,  but  comely,  O  ye 
daughters  ofjerufalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar,  as  the 
curtains  of  Solomon.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  This  is  a  faithful 
faying,  and  \WMthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Chrift  Je- 
fus  came  intorne  world  to  fave  finners ;  of  whom  I  am 
chief.  If.  lxii.  2.  3.  And  the  Gentiles  (hall  fee  thy 
righteoufnefs,  and  all  kings  thy  glory:  and  thou  (halt 
be  called  by  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  (hall  name.  Thou  (halt  alfo  be  a  crown  of  glory 
in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the 
hand  of  thy  God. 

(<-)  Jir.  xlviii.  11.  Moab  hath  been  at  eafe  from 
his  youth,  and  he  hath  feetled  on  his  lees,  and  hath  not 
been  emptied  fromvcflel  toveiTel,  neither  hath  he  gone 
into  captivit;  :  therefore  his  tafle  remained  in  him, 
and  his  fcent  is  net  changed. 

(d)  If.  xliv.  3.  I  will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is 
thirfly,  and  floods  upon  the  dry  ground :  I  will  pour  my 
spirit  upon  thy  feed,  and  my  bleiTing  upon  thine  off- 
fpring. 

(«)  Dan.  xii.  3.  And  they  that  be  wife,  {hall  fhine 
as  the  brightnefs  of  the  firmament ;  and  they  that  turn 
many  to  righteoufnefs,  as  the  ftars  for  ever  and  ever: 
Jl?id  in  oppo/ition  to'tbofe  called  wandering  ftars,  Jude  13. 

(/)  Hof.  vi.  4.  O  Ephraim,  what  fhall  I  do  unto 
thee?  O  Judah,  what  fhall  I  do  unto  thee?  for  your 
goodnefs  is  a  morning- cloud,  and  as  the  early  dew  it 


Part  111.  ¥$t  £eH&errs  Riddle.  197 

A  cake  unturn'd,  norcofcf,  nor  hot  (j-) ; 

A  vefTel  found  (£),  a  broken  pot  (*): 

A  rifing  fun  (i),  a  drooping  wing  (/); 

A  flinty  rock  (w),  a  flowing  fpring  (»). 

A  rotten  beam  (0),  a  verid  item  (/>)>  A 


(£)  /fc/  vii.  8.  Ephraim,  he  hath  mixed  himfelf 
among  the  people,  Ephraim  is  a  cake  not  turned.  Rev. 
iii.  15.  I  knew  thy  works,  that  thou  art  neither  cold 
nor  hot:  I  would  thou  wert  cold  or  hot. 

(h)  Rom.  ix.  21.  Hath  not  the  potter  power  over 
the  clay,  of  the  fame  lump  to  make  one  veffel  unto  ho- 
nour, and  another  unto  diihonour? 

(i)  Pjal.  xxxi.  12.  I  am  forgotten  as  a  dead  man 
eut  of  mind:  lam  like  a  broken  veiTel. 

\k)  Mattb.  xiii.  13.  Then  fhall  the  righteous  fhine 
forth  as  the  fun,  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father. 

(/;  Pfal.  Iv.  6.  And  I  faid,  O  that  I  had  wings  like 
a  dove  !  for  th'en  would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at  reft. 

{m}Zecb.  vii.  12.  They  made  their  hearts  as  an 
adamant-ftdne,  left  they  mould  hear  the  law, and  the 
words  which  the  Lord  of  hefts  hath  fent  in  his  fpirit  by 
the  former  prophets. 

(n)  Jokniv.   14.  jefu9  anfv/ered  and  faid  unto   her, 
— Whofoever   drinketh    of  the  water  that  I   mail  give 
him,  mail  never  thirft  :  but  the  water  that  I  mall  give 
him,  ihall  be  in  him--  a  well  of  water  fp ringing  up  into" 
everlafting  life, 

(<?)  If,  xvii.  9.  10.  In  "that  day  mail  his  ftrong  ci- 
ties be  as  a  forfaken  boagh,  and  an  uppermoft  branch* 
which  they  left,  becaufe  of  the  children  of  Ifrael :  and 
there  ihall  be  defoliation.  Becaufe  thou  haft '  forgotten 
the  God  of  thy  falvation,  and  haft  not  been  mindful  of 
the  rock  of  thy  ftrength  :  therefore  lhalt  thoia  plant 
pleafant  plants,  and  malt  fet  \t  with  fcrange  flips. 
Chap,  xxvii.  11.  When  the  boughs  thereof  are  with- 
ered, they  mall  be  broken  off:  the  women  come  and 
fet  them  on  fire:  for  it  is  a  people  of  no  understanding, 

C/)  Pro  v.  xj    sS,  The  righteous  fhall  flourish  as  a 

branch 


Gospel      Sonnets, 


A  menftrous  cloth  {q),  a  royal  gem  (r) : 
A  garden  barr'd  (/),  an  open  field  (/); 
A  gliding  ftream  (/)',  a  fountain  feal'd  («). 

Of  various  ^vegetables  fee 

A  fair  and  lively  map  in  me. 

A  fragrant  rofe  (a/),  a  noifome  weed  (*u); 


branch.  Pfzl.  xc:i.  12.  13.  The  righteous  mall  flourim 
like  the  palm-tree:  he  fhall  grow  like  a  cedar  in  Leba- 
non .  Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the  houfe  of  the  Lord,. 
fhall  fiourifh  in  the  courts  of  our  God. 

(y)  If  xxx.  22.  Ye  mail  defile  alfo  the  covering  of 
thy  graven  images  of  filver,  and  the  ornament  of  thy 
molten  images  of  gold:  thcu  fhalt  call  them  away  as  a 
menferuous  cloth ;  thou  fhalt  fay  unto  it,  Get  thee 
hence.  Chap.  lxiv.  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean 
thing,  and  all  our  righteoufneffes  are  ss/iUhyrags. 

(r)  //.  lxii.  3.  Thou  fhalt  alio  be  a  crown  of  glory 
in-  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem  in  the 
hand  cf  thy  God.  n-. 

(/)  Song  iv.  12.  A  garden  inclofed  is  my  filler,  my 
fpoufe. 

(j)  Matth.  xiii.  24.  25.  Another  parable  put  he 
forth  unto  them,  faying,  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is 
likened  unto  a  man  which  fowed  good  feed  in  his 
field  :  but  while  men  fiept,  his  enemy  came,  and  fow- 
ed tares  among  the  wheat,  and  went  his  way. 

[t)  Seng  iv.  15.  [My  Mer  is]  a  fountain  of  gar- 
dens, a  well  of  living  waters,  ana  {beams  from  Leba- 
non. 

(u)  Song  iv.  12.  A  fpring  fhut  up,  a  fountain  feaied 
is  my  fifter,  my  fpoufe. 

(1/)  If  xxxv.  1 .  The  wildernefs  and  the  folitary 
place  fhall  be  glad  fer  them :  and  the  defart  mail  re- 
joice, and  bloflbm  as  the  rofe. 

(tv)  If  v.  4.  What  could  have  been  done  more  to 
my  vineyard,  that  I  have  not  done  in  it?  wherefore 
when  I  loeked  that  itfhould  bring  forth  grapes,  bro't 
it  forth  wild  grapes  ? 


?art  III.  the  Belie-ver's     RiMt*  199 

A  rotting  (x),  yet  immortal  feed  Q>). 

I'm  withering  grafs  (%),  and  growing  corn  (<?); 
A  pleafant  plant  (£),  an  irklbme  thorn  (c)  ; 
An  empty  vine  (#),  a  fruitful  tree  (/j  j 

An 


(x)  Gen,  iii.  1 9.  In  the  fweat  of  thy  face  malt,  thou 
eat  bread,  till  thou  return  unto  the  ground  ;  for  out  of 
it  waft  thou  taken:  for  duft  thou  art,  and  unto  du& 
malt  thou  return. 

(y)  1  Pet.  i.  23.  Being  born  again,  not  of  corrup- 
tible feed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of  God 
which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever. 

(V;  If.  xl.  7.  The  grafs  withereth,  the  flower  fad* 
eth;  beeaufe  the  fpirit  of  the  Lord  Mowed  upon  it: 
furely  the  people  is  grafs. 

(a)  Hof.  xiv.  7.  They  that  dwell  under  his  madow 
mall  return,  they  mall  revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as 
the  vine :  the  fcent  thereof  mail  be  as  the  vine'of  Le- 
banon. 

(h)  If.  v.  7.  The  vineyard  of  the  Lord  of  hofts  is 
the  houfe  of  Ifraei,  and  the  men  of  judah  his  pleafant 
plant. 

(c)  Mkah  vii .  a  .  The  be£  of  them  is  as  a  brier ; 
the  moil  upright  is  iharper  than  a  thorn -hedge, 

(d)  Hof.  x.  1.  Ifraei  is  an  empty  vine,  he  bringeth 
forth  fruit  unto  himielf. 

(«?)  Pfal.  i.  $#nd  he  mall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by 
the  rivers  ef  water,  that  bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  hj's 
feafon;  his  leaf  alfo  mall  not  wither,  and  wkajibeYec 
he  doth  mall  profper. 


200  GosrEL       SONHETI, 

An  humbl«  fhrub  (f),  a  cedar  high  (g). 

A  noxious  brier  (£),  aharmlefs  pine  (7); 
A  faplefs  twig  (^),  a  bleeding  vine  (/): 


A  J 


(/)  Ezek.  xvii.  5.  6.  He  [a  great  eagle]  took  alfo 
of  the  feed  of  the  land,  and  planted  it  in  a  fruitful  field* 
he  placed  it  by  great  waters,  and  fet  it  as  a  willow- 
tree.  And  it  grew,  and  became  a  fpreading  vine  of  low 
ftature,  whofe  branches  turned  toward  him,  and  the 
roots  thereof  were  under  him  :  fo  it  became  a  vine,  and 
brought  forth  branches,  and  mot  forth  fprigs.  <v,  24. 
And  all  the  trees  cf  the  field  mall  know  that  I  the 
Lord  have  brought  down  the  high  tree,  have  exalted 
the  low  tree,  have  dried  up  the  green  tree,  and  have 
made  the  dry  tree  to  flourifh  :  I  the  Lord  have  fpoken 
and  have  done  it.  Mark'w.  30.  31.  And  Jefus  faid, 
Whereunto  fhall  we  liken  the  kingdom  of  God  ?  or 
with  what  comparifon  fhall  we  compare  it  ?  It  is  like  a 
grain  of  muftard-feed,  which  when  it  is  fown  in  the- 
earth,  is  lefs  than  all  the  feeds  that  be  in  the  earth. 

(g)  P/al.  xcii.  12.  The  righteous  mall  grow  like  a 
cedar  in  Lebanon. 

{h)  Micah  vii.   4.  See  letter  (z.) 
(/)  If.  xli.   19.  I  will  fet  in  the  defart  the  fir-tree, 
and  t'^  pine,  and  the  box  tree  together. 

(i)  John  xv.  4..  Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the 
branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itfelf,  except  it  abide  in  the 
vine;  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me.  •».  6. 
If  a  man  abide  not  in  me,  he  is  call  forth  as  a  branch, 
and  is  withered. 

(/)  Johnxv.  5.  I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches: 
He  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame  brin- 
geth  forth  much  fruit:  for  without  mj^e  can  do  no- 
thing. Smgii.  13.  The  fig-tree  putteth  forth  her  green 
figs,  and  the  vines  with  the  tender  grape  give  a  good 
fmell  v.  15.  Take  us  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes  that 
fpoil  the  vines :  for  our  vines  have  tender  grape*. 


Part  MI.  The  Bekever's   Riddle.  201 

A  fhbie  £r  (m\  a  pliant  buih  (x)  ? 
A  noble  oak  (<?),  a  naughty  rum.  {$) 

With  fenjtti<ves  I  may  compare, 
While  I  their  various  natures  Ihare  r. 
Their  diitincl  Karnes  may  juitly  fuit 
A  ftrange,  a •  reafonablc  brute  (f ) . 

The  facred  page  my  ftate  defcribes 
From  volatile  and  reptile  tribes  j 

From 


im)  If.  Iv.  13.  Inftead  of  the  thorn  ihall  come  up 
the  fir-tree,  and  inftead  of  the  brier  lhall  come  up  the 
myrtle-tree :  and  it  ihall  be  to  the  Lord  for  a  name,  for 
an  everiaiting  fign  that  ihall  not  be  cut  off.  Chap.  Ix. 
13.  The  glory  of-Lebancn  fhali  come  unto  thee,  the 
fir-tree,  the  pine-tree,  and  the  box  together,  to  beau- 
tify the  place  of  my  fandtuary,  and  I  will  make  the 
place  of  my  feet  glorious. 

(«)  Matth.  xi.  7.  And  as  they  departed,  Jefus  be- 
gan to  fay  unto  the  multitudes  concerning  John,  What 
went  ye  out  into  the  wildernefs  to  fee  ?  A  reed  ihaken 
with  thd  wind  ? 

[o)  If.  vi.  13.  But  yet  in  it  ihall  be  a  tenth,  and  it 
ihall  return,  and  ihall  be  eaten :  as  a  tail  tree:  and  as 
an  oak  whofe  fubilance  is  in  them,  when  they  call  their 
leaves :  fo  the  holy  feed  ihall  be  the  fubilasce  thereof. 

(p)  If.  Iviii.  5.  Is  it  fuch  a  fait  that  I  have  chofen? 
a  day  for  a  man  to  airlift  his  foul?  is  it  to  bew  down 
his  head  as  afeulrufh,  and  to  fpread  fackcloth  and  aihes 
under  him?  wilt  thou  call  this  a  fail,  and  an  accepta- 
ble day  to  the  Lord  ? 

(q)  Pfal.  lxxiii.  2.2.  So  fooliih  was  I,  and  igno- 
rant: I  was  as  a  beaft  before  thee.  Prcv.  xxx.  2. 
Surely  I  [Agur]  am  more  brutiih  than  any  man,  and 
have  not  the  undemanding  ©f  a  man. 


202  Gospel     Sonnet*. 

From  ugly  vipers  (r),  beauteous  birds  (fj; 
From  foaringhofb  (j),  and  fwinifb  herds  (tj. 

I'm  rank'd  with  beafis  of  diff'rent  kinds, 
With  fpiteful  tygers  fu),  loving  hinds  (<v)  j 
And  creatures  of  diftinguiih'd  forms, 
With  mounting  eagles  (-u;),  creepiig  worms  (*). 

A  mixture  of  each  fort  I  am ; 


(r)  Mattb.  iii.  7.  But  when  John  faw  many  of  the 
Pharifees  and  Sadducees  csme  to  his  baptifm,  he  faid 
unto  them,  O  generation  of  viper*,  &c. 

{/)  Song  ii.  12.  The  time  of  the  finging  of  birds  is 
come,  and  tVe  voice  of  the  turile  is  heard  in  our  land. 

(s)  If.  !x.  8.  Who  are  thefe  that  fly  as  a  cloud,  and 
as  the  doves  to  their  windows  ? 

(t)  Maxtb.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto 
the  dogs,  neither  call  ye  your  pearls  before  the  fwine, 
left  they  trample  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn  again 
and  rent  you.  2  Pet.  ii.  22.  But  it  is  happened  unto 
them  according  to  the  true  proverb.  The  dog  is  turned 
to  his  own  vomit  again  ;  and,  The  fow  that  was  wafii- 
ed,  to  her  fallowing  in  the  mire. 

(u)  Pial.  xxii.  16.  For  dogs  have  comparted  me, 
the  r.fTembly  of  the  wicked  have  inclofed  me :  they 
pierced  my  hands  and  my  feet.  Philip  iii.  2.  Beware 
of  dogs,  beware  of  evil  workers,  beware  of  the  conci- 
sion, 

(v)  Pfal.  xviii.  33.  God  maketh  my  feet  like  hinds 
feec,  and  fetteth  me  upon  my  high  places.  Pro<v.  v. 
19.  Let  her  [the  wife  of  thy  youth  J  be  as  the  lorinr; 
hind,  and  pleafant  roe,  let  her  breads  fatis fy  thee  at  all 
times,  and  be  thou  ravilhed  always  with  her  love. 

(w )  If.  xl.  3 1  .—They  mail  mount  up  with  wings 
as  eagles. 

[xj  Pfal.  xxii.  6.  But  I  am  a  worn,  and  no  man. 
If.  xli.  14..  Fear  not,  thou  worm  Jacob,  and  ye  men 
©flfrael,  &c. 


[Part.  III.  the  Believer's  Riddle.  zo\ 

A  hurtful  make  (j),  aharmlefs  lamb  [z) ; 
A  tardy  afs  (a),  a  fpeedy  roe  [b) ; 
A  lion  bold  (r),  a  tim'rous  doe  {rf), 


A  (loathful  owl  (e),  a  bu-fy  ant  (f)  ; 

A  dove  to  mourn  (g),  a  lark  to  chant  (k) : 


And 


(y)  Pfal.  lviii.  4.     Their  poifon  is  like  the  poifon. 
of  a  ferpent ;  they  are  like  the  deaf  adder,  that  ftoppeth. 
her  ear. 

(2)  John  xxi.  15.  So  when  they  had  dined,  Jefua 
faith  to  Simon  Peter,  Simon  fin  of  Jonas,  -loveft  thou 
me  more  than  thefe  ?  He  faith  unto  him,  Yea,  Lord,; 
thou  k  no  weft  that  I  love  thee.  He  faith  unto  him? 
Feed  my  lambs. 

{a)  job  xi.  i2o  Vain  man  would  be  wife,  though 
man  be  born  like  a  wild  afs  colt. 

(b)  Pro--o.  vi.  5.  Deliver  thyfelf  [myfon]  as  a  roe 
from  the  hand  of  the  hunter. 

(c)  Pro-v.  xxviii.  1 .  The  righteous  are  bold  as  a 
lion. 

(d)  If.  ii.  19.  And  they  fhall  go  into  the  holes  of 
the  rocks,  and  into  the  caves  of  the  earth,  for  fear 
of  the  Lord,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  majefly,  when 
he  arifeth  to  fnake  terribly  the  earth. 

(e)  Pfal.  cii.  6.     I  ana  like  an  owl  of  the  defarr. 
\f)  Prow.  vi.  6.     Go  to  the  ant,    thou   {laggard, 

coniider  her  ways,  and  be  wife,  &c. 

(g)  If.  xxxviii.  14.  Like  a  crane  or  a  fvvallow,  fo 
did  I  chatter  :  I  did  mourn  as  a  dove  :  mine  eyes  fail 
with  looking  upward :  O  Lord,  I  am  opprefTed,  un- 
dertake for  me.  Ezek.  vii.  16.  But  they  that  efcape 
of  them  [Ifrael],  fhall  efcape,  and  mall  be  on  the 
mountains  like  doves  of  the  valleys,  all  of  them 
mourn'ing,  every  one  for  his  iniquity. 

(h)  Song  ii.  12.  The  time  of  the  ringing  of  birds 
is  come,  and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard   in   our 


2  04-  Gas  tel     Sonnets. 

And  with  left  equals  to  compare. 
An   tagly  toad  (/'),  an  angel  fair  (/£). 

S  E  C  T.     X. 

Toe  my  fiery  of  the  faints  ;   old  and  ncnu  man  further  dt- 
fcribed;  and  the  means   of  their  fpiriiual  life. 

TEmptations  breed  me  much  annoy  (a), 
Yet  divers  fuch  I  count  all  j©y  (/). 
On  earth  I  fee  confufions  reel  (<r), 
Yet  wifdom  ord'ring  all  things  wcll(i).  ] 


(/)  Rom.  iii.  13. ---The  poifon  of  afpsis  undertheir 
lips.  Job  xl.  4.  Behold,  I  am  vile,  what  mall  I  an- 
ivver  thee  ?  I  vv ill  lay  mine  hand  ispon  my  mouth. 

(6)  dxsvi.  15.  And  all  that  fat  in  the  council, 
looking  ftedfaftly  on  him  [Stephen],  few. his  face  as  it 
had  been  the  face  of  an  angel.  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  But 
we  all  with  open  face,  beholding  as  in.  a  glafs,  the  glo- 
ry of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  fame  image,  from 
glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

(a)  Heh.  xii.  11.  Now  no.chaftening  for  the  pre- 
fent  feemeth  to  be  joyous.-  but  grievous,  cif<\      : 

i.  6.  Wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a  fea- 
fon  (if  need  be)  ye  are  in  heavinefs  through  manifold 
temptations. 

(b)  James  1.  2.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when 
ye  rail  into  divers  temptations. 

U)  Pfal.  lxxxii.  5.  They  know  not,  neither  will 
they  underftand ;  they  walk  on  in  darknefc  :  all  the 
foundations  of  the  earth  are  oi?t  of  courfe. 

(■4?)  Pfal.  xxix.  10.  The  Lord  fitteth  upon  the 
fiood:  yea,  ths  L,ord  fitteth  King  for  ever,  lxxxix.  9. 
Thou  ruleft  the  raging  of  the  fea  :  when  the  waves, 
thereof  ariie,  thou  ftiileft  than.  Rem.  viii.  28,  And 
we  know  tjiat  all  things  work  together  for  gocd, 
to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  ac- 
cording to  his  nurpofe. 


Part  III.  T/.v  Believer's  Riddle . 

I  fieep,    yet  have  awaking  ear  (<?)  ; 
I'm  blind  and  deaf,  yet  fee  and  hear  (/)  : 
Dumb,   yet. cry  Abba,  Father,  pffci  (g), 
Born  onlypnce,  yet  born  again  U?). 

My  hearths  a  mirror  dim  and  bright- (/), 
S 


0)  Songy.  2.  I  fleep,  but_my  heart  waketh  :  it 
k  the  voice  of  my  beloved  that  knocketh:  faying  Open 
tome,  my  filler,  my  love,  my  dove,  my.  undefiled: 
for  ray  head  is  filled  with  dew,  and  my  locks  with  the 
drops  of  the  night. 

(/)  If.  xiii.  1 8.  19.  Hear,  yc  deaf,  and  look, 
ye  blind,  that  ye  may  fee.  Who  is  blind,  but  my 
fervaht  ?  or  deaf,  as  my  raeflenger  that  I  fent  ?  who  is 
blind  as  he  that  is  perfedt,  and  blind  as  the  Lord's  fer- 
vant  ?  Chap,  xxxv  5.  Then  the  eyes  of  the  blind 
ihall  be  opened,  and  the  ears  of  the  deaf  mall  be  un- 
flopped. 

.  (g)  If.  xxxv.  6.  Then  mail— the  tongue  of  the 
dumb  fing  :  for  in  ike  wildernefs  ihall  waters  break  out, 
and  ftreams  in  the  defart.  Rem.  viii,  15.  For  ye 
have  not  received  the  fpirit  of  bondage  again  to  fear  ; 
but  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby 
we  cry,  Abba,  Father. 

\b)  John  in.  3.  4.  5.  6.  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid 
tri tto  hmi  [-Mieodeirius] ,  Verily  verily  I  fay  unto  thee. 
Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  fee  the  king- 
dom of  God.  Nicodemus  faith  unto  him,  How  can  a 
■mart  be  born  when  he  is  old?  can  he  enter  the  fecond 
time  into  his  mother's  womb,  and  be  born"?  Jefus  an- 
fwered, Verily  verily  I  fay  unto  thee,  Except  a  man 
be^orn  of  water,  and. of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God.  That  which  is  born  of  the  . 
item,  is  Hem  ;  and  that  which  is  bom  -of  the  Spirit,  is 
fpirrt 

(/)  Lam.  v.  ij.  For  this  cur  heart  is  faint,  for 
thefe  .  things  our  eyes  are  dim.  If.  xxxii.  3.  And 
the  eyes  of  them  that  fee£  (hall  not  be  dim,  &e. 


2c6  Gospel     Sonnets. 

A  compound  ftrange  of  day  and  night  (&) ; 
Of  dung  and  di'monds,  drofs  and  gold  (/); 
Of  fummer  hem,  and  winter  cold  (/»). 

Down  like  a  frone  I  fink  and  dive  («),  .Ye 


(i)  Z«:£.  xiv.  7.  But  it  fhall  be  one  day,  which 
mall  be  known  to  the  Lord,  not  day,  nor  night:  but 
\'i  fhall  come  to  pals,  that  at  evening- time  it  fhall  be 
light. 

(/)  Ma!,  ii.  3.  Behold,  I  will  corrupt  your  feed, 
and  fpread  dung  upon  your  faces,  even  the  dung  of 
your  lolemn  fealb,  and  one  mail  take  you  away  with  it. 
Philip,  iii.  8  .  Yea  doubtlefs,  and  I  count  all  things 
but  lofs,  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Chrifl 
Jefus  my  Lord  :  for  whom  I  have  fufTered  the  lofs  of 
all  things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung  that  I  may 
win  Chrift.  If  lxii.  3.  Thou  malt  alfo  be  a  crown 
of  glory  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  royal  diadem 
in  the  hand  of  thy  God.  If  i.  25.  And  I  will  turn 
my  hand  upon  thee,  and  purely  purge  away  thy  drofs, 
and  take  away  all  thy  tin.  y^xxiii.  10.  God  know- 
eth  the  way  that  I  take  :  when  he  hath  tried  me,  I  fhall 
come  forth  as  gold. 

(/>/)  PJal.  xxxix.  3.  My  heart  was  hot  within  me, 
while  I  was  mufmg  the  fire  burned.  Luke  xxiv.  32. 
And  they  faidone  to  another,  Did  not  our  heaft  burn 
within  us,  while  he  talked  with  us  by  the  way,  ani 
while  he  opened  to  us  the  fcriptures  ?  Martb.  xxiv.  12. 
And  becaufe  iniquity  fhall  abound,  the  love  of  ma- 
ry  fhall  wax  cold.  Rev.  ii.  4.  Neverthelefs  I  have 
fomewhat  againft  thee,  becaufe  thou  haft  left  thy 
firft  love.  t 

(«)  Pfal.  xlii.  6.  7.  O  my  God,  my  foul  is  cafV 
down  within  me:  therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from 
the  land  of  Jordon,  and  of  the  Herm?nites,  from  the 
kill  Mizar.  Deep  calleth  unto  deep,  at  thenoife  of  thy 
water-fpouts ;  all  thy  waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone 
over  me. 


Part.  III.  The  Believer- 's   Riddle.  107 

Yet  daily  upward  foar  and  thrive  (0}. 
To  heav'n  I  fly,  to  earth  I  tend  (/)  ; 
Still  better  prow,  yet  never  mend  (^), 

S  2  My 


{0)  Pfal.  xlii.  8.  9.  Yet  the  Lord  will  command 
his  loving- kindnefs  in  the  day-time,  and  in  the  night 
his  fong  mall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer  unto  the  God 
of  my  life.  I  will  fay  unto  God  my  rock,  Why  haft 
thou  forgotten  me  ?  why  go  I  mourning;  becaufe  of  the 
oppreflion  of  the  enemy  ?  -z>.  11.  Why  art  thou  caft 
down,  O  my  foul  r  and  why  art  thou  difq&ieted  with- 
in me  ?  hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  fhali  yet  praife  him, 
who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God. 

(/>)  Cx>l.  iii.  1.  2.  If  ye  then  berifen  with  Chrift, 
feek  thofe  things  which  are  above,  where  Chrift  fitteth 
on  the  right  hand  of  God.  Set  your  alieclion  on  things 
above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth.  Pfal.  xliv.  25. 
Our  foul  is  bowed  down  to  the  duftj  .our  belly  clear  - 
eth  unto  the  earth. 

{q)  Hof.  xiv.  5.  I  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Ifrael ■: 
he  mail  grow  as  the  lily,  and  cart,  forth  his  roots  as 
Lebanon,  <i>.  7.  They  that  dwell  under  his  ihadow 
mall  return,  they  mail  revive  as  the  corn,  and  grow  as 
the  vine  :  the  (cent  thereof  mail  be  as  the  wine  of  Le- 
banon. Philip.  iii.\i2.  13.  14.  Not  as  though  I 
had  already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect :  but 
I  follow  after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which 
alfo  I  am  apprehended  of  ChrifVJefus.  Brethren,  I 
count  not  rnyfelF  to  have  apprehended  :  but  this  one 
thing  I  do,  forgetting  thofe  things  which  are  behind^ 
and  reaching  forth  unto  thofe  things  which  are  before, 
I  prefs  toward  the  mark,  for  the  prise  of  the  high  cal- 
ling of  God  in  Chrift  Jefus.  Ror/i.  vii.  23.  24.  But 
I  fee  another  law  in  my  members,  warring  againil  the 
law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity  to  the 
law  of  fin',  which  is  in  my  members.  O  wretched  man 
that  I  am,  who  fhall  deliver. me  from  the  body  of  this 
death! 


zo$  G  o  s  p  E  i.     Sonnets* 

My  heav'n  and  glory's  fure  to  me, 
Though  thereof  feldorn  fure  I  be  (r): 
Yet  what  makes  me  the  furer  is, 
God  is  my  glory  (/),  I  am  his  (j). 

My  life's  expos'd  to  open  view  (t), 
Yet  clofely  hid,  and  known  to  few  (u). 
Some  know  my  place,  and  whence  I  came, 
Yet  neither  whence,  nor  where  I  am  (<vj* 


(r)  Jchnxiv.  2.  3.  In  my  Father's  houfe  are  many 
manilons;  if  it  were  not  fo,  I  would  have  told  you:  I 
go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  and  prepare 
a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you 
unto  myfelf,  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  alfo.  2 
Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  dili- 
gence to  make  your  calling  and  election  fure.  Heb.  iv. 
1 .  Let  us  there-ore  fear,  left  a  promife  being  left  us  of 
entering  into  his  reft,  any  of  you  mould  feem  to  come 
fliort  of  it. 

(j)  Pfd.  iii.  3.  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  fnield  for 
ne;  my  glory,,  and  the  lifter  up  of  mine  head.  I/,  lx. 
19.  The  fun  mail  be  no  more  thy  light  by  day,  neither 
for  brightnefs  {hall  the  moon  give  light  unto  thee: 
but  the  Lord  mall  be  unto  thee  an  everlafting  light, 
and  thy  God  thy  glory. 

(s)  If.  xlvi.  13.  I  will  place  falvation  in  Zion  for 
Jfrael  my  glory.  2  Cor.  vii-i.'  23.  Whether  any  do  in- 
quire of  Titus,  he  is  my  partner,  and  fellow-helper 
concerning  you :  or  our  brethren  be  inquired  of,  they 
are  the  meflengers  of  the  churches,  and  the  ^lory  of 
Chriit. 

ft)  Pfal.  xliv.  13.  Tfeou  makeft  us  a  reproach  to 
our  neighbours,  a  fedfn  and  a  ferilion  to  them  that  are 
round  about  us. 

(u)  Col.  iii.   3.  Your  life  is  hid  with  Chrift  in  God, 

(<v)  {jobnin.  9.  10.  Nicodemus  anfvvered  and  laid 
unto  him,  How  can  thefe  things  be?  jefus  anfwered 
and  faid    unto  him.  Art  thou  a    mailer  of  Ifrael,  and' 

knoweil 


Part  llL  The  Believer's  Riddle.  209 

I  live  in  earth,  which  is  not  odd; 

But  lo,  I  ah©  live  in  God  (>xv) ; 

A  fpirit  without  flefh  and  blood, 

Yet  with  tAem  both  to  yield  me  food  (x)a 

I  live  what  others  live  upon, 

Yet  live  I  not  on  bread  alone; 

But  food  adapted  to  my  mind, 

Bare  words,  yet  not  an  empty  wind  (y). 

I'm  no  Anihropopaghe  rude, 

Though  fed  with  human  nefh  and  blood ; 

S  3  But 

■  I'  il  '       1  'i  II  H.        r   1    ■  1  nl..<  . 

knowefl:  not  thefe  things  ?  Prcv,  xiv.  10.  The  heart 
knoweth  his  own  bitternefs ;  and  a  Aranger  doth  not 
intermeddle  with  his  joy,  3  John  iv.  16.  And  we  have 
known  and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to  us.  God 
is  love;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  m 
God,  and  God  in  him. 

(w)  Gal.  ii.  20.  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift:  Ne- 
verthelefs  I  live ;  yet  not  I,  but  Chrift  liveth  in  me : 
and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  flefh.  I  live  by 
the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave 
himfelf  for  me, 

(x)  John  iv.  24:o  God  is  a  Spirit^  and  they  that 
worihip  him,  mufl  worihip  him  in  fpirit  and  in  truth. 
Chap.  vi.  53.  54.  55.  Then  jefus  faid  unto  them 
[the  Jews],  Verily  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  Except  ye 
eat  the  flefh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood, 
ye  have  no  life  in  you.  Who  fo  eateth  my  flefh,  and 
drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life,  and  I  will  raife 
him  up  at  the  laft  day.  For  my  flefh  is  meat  indeed, 
and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed. 

(y)  Matth.  iv.  4.  But  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  [un- 
to the  tempter],  It  is  written,  Man  mail  not  live  by 
bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of 
the  month  of  God.  Jer.  xv.  16.  Thy  words  were 
found,  and  I  did  eat  them,  and  thy  word  was  unto  me 
thejoy  and  rejoicing  of  mine  heart,  for  I  am  called  by 
thv  name,  O  Lord  God  of  hofts. 


210  Gospel     Sonnets. 

But  live  fuperlatively  fine, 

My  food's  all  fpirit,  all  divine  (z). 

I  feafl  on  fulnefs  nigh*  and  day  (a), 
Yet  pinch'd  for  want  I  pine  away  (b). 
My  leannefs,  leannefs,  ah!  Jcry(<:); 
Yet  fat  and  full  of  fap  am  I  (d). 


As 


(x)  Jcknx'i.  57.  58.  As  the  living  Father  hath  fent 
me,  and  I  live  by  the  Father:  fo  he  that  eatcth  me,  e- 
ven  he  mall  live  by  me.  This  is  that  bread  which  came 
down  from  heaven  :  not  as  your  fathers  did  eat  manna, 
■and  are  dead:  he  that  eateth  of  this  bread,  mall  live 
for  ever.  v.  63.  It  is  the  fpirit  that  quickeneth,  the. 
flefh  profketh  nothing:  the  words  that  I  fpeak  unto 
you,  they  are  fpirit,  and  they  are  life. 

(a)  If.  xxv.  6.  And  in  this  mountain  mall  the  Lord 
of  hofts  make  unto  all  People  a  feafl  of  fat  things,  a 
feaft  of  wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat  things  full  of  marrow, 
of  wines  on  the  lees  well  refined.  PfaL  i,  1.  But  his 
delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  innis  law  doth 
he  meditate  day  and  night. 

(£)  If.  xli.  17.  When  the  poor  and  needy  feek  wa- 
ter, and  there  is  none,  and  their  tongue  faileth  for 
thirft  I  the  Lord  will  hear  them,  I  the  God  of  Ifrael 
will  not  forfake  them.  Pfal.  xl.  17.  But  I  am  po®r  and 
r^ecdy,  yet  the  Lord  thinketh  upon  me :  thou  art  my 
help  and  my  deliverer,  make  no  tarrying,  O  my  God. 

(<r)  If  xxiv.  16.  From  the  uttermoft  part  of  the 
earth  have  we  heard  fongs,  even  glory  to  the  righte- 
ous: but  I  faid,  My  leannefs,  my  leannefs,  wo  unto 
me:  the  treacherous  dealers  have  dealt  treacheroufly, 
yea,  the  treacherous  dealers  have  dealt  very  treacher- 
oufly. 

(d)  PfaL.  xcii.  13.  14.  Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the 
houfe  of  the  Lord,  mall  flourim  in  the  courts  of  our 
God.  They  fo  all  Mill  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age :  they 
fhall  be  fat  and  flourifhing,  civ.  16.  The  trees  of  the 
Lord  are  full  of  fap :  the  cedars  of  Lebanon  which  he 
hath  planted, 


Fart  III.  Tie   BeUeyer's  Riddle,  iv\ 

As  all  amphibious  creatures  do, 
I  live  in  land  and  water  too  (e) : 
To  good  and  evil  equal  bent  (/), 
I'm  both  a  devil  (g),  and  a  faint  (£). 

While  fome  men  who  on  earth  are  gods  (/), 

Are  with  the  God  of  heav'n  at  odds  (/£) ; 

My  heart,  where  hellifh  legions  are  (/),  Is 

(e)  Pfal.  cxvi.  9. 1  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the 
land  of  the  living,  lxix.  1.  2.  Save  me,  O  God,  for 
the  waters  are  come  in  unto  my  foul.  _ I  fink  in  deep 
mire,  where  there  is  no  (landing :  I  am  come  into  deep 
waters^  where  the  floods  overflow  me.  Ixxxviii.  17. 
Thy  terrors  came  round  about  me  daily  like  water, 
they  compafied  me  about  together. 

(/)  Rom.  vii.  21.  I  find  then  a  law,  that  when  I 
would  do  good,  evil  is  prefent  with  me. 

(g)  John  vi.  70.  Jefus  anfwered  them,  Have  not  I 
chofen  you  twelve,  and  one  of  you  is  a  devil?  Chap, 
viii,  44.  Ye  are  of  your  father  the  devil,  and  the  lufts 
of  your  father  ye  will  do.  James  iii.  15.  This  wifdom 
defcendeth  not  from  above,  but  is  earthly,  fenfaal, 
devilifh. 

(£)  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  And  jiich  were  fome  of  you:  but 
ye  are  warned,  but  ye  are  fanctified,  but  ye  are  justified 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  jefus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our. 
Goal, 

(*)  Pfal.  Ixxxii.  6.  I  have  faid,  Ye  are  gods :  a&d 
all  of  you  are  children  of  the  Molt  High. 

(i)  Pfal.  Ixxxii,  1.  2.  God  ftatideth  in  the  congre- 
gation of  the  mighty;  hejudgeth  among  the  gods. 
How  long  will  ye  judge  unjuftly,  and  accept  the  per- 
forms of  the  wicked  ?  Sdah.  hj.  5 .  They  know  not, 
neither  will  they  underftand ;  they  walk  on  in  dark- 
nefs :  all  the  foundations  of  the  earth  are  out  of  courfe. 

(/)  Malt.  xv..  19.  For  out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil 
thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts, 
falfe  witnete,  blafphemies. .Luke  viii.  30.  And  jefus 
aiked  him,  faying,  What  is  thy  name  ?  And  he  faid> 
Legion ;  becaufe  many  devils  were  entered  into  him, 


212  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Is  with  the  hofts  of  hell  at  war  (/»). 

My  will  fulfils  what's  hard  te  tell, 
The  counfel  both  of  Heav'n  (»)  and  hell  (<?) 
Heav'n,  without  fin,  will'd  fin  to  be  (/); 
Yet  will  to  fin,  is  fin  in  me  (q). 


(m)  Epb.  vi.  12.  For  we  wreftle  not  againft  flefh 
and  blood,  but  againft  principalities,  againft  powers, 
againft  the  rulers  of  the  darknefs  of  this  world,  againft 
fpi  ritual  wickednefs  in  high  places. 

(n)  Rev.  xvii.  17.  For  God  hath  put  in  their  hearts 
to  fulfil  his  will,  and  to  agree,  and  give  their  kingdom 
urto  the  beaft,  until  the  words  of  God  mall  be  fulfilled. 
[0)  Eph.  ii.  3.  Among  whom  alfo  we  all  had  our 
converfation  in  times  pad,  in  the  lulls  of  our  flelh,  ful- 
£lling  the  defires  of  the  flem,  and  of  the  mind ;  and 
were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as  others. 

(/)  James  i.  13.  Let  no  man  fay  when  he  is  temp- 
ted, I  am  tempted  of  God:  for  God  cannot  be  temp- 
ted with  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man.  Afts  i.  15. 
16.  And  in  thofe  days  Peter  flood  up  in  the  midfl  of 
the  difciples,  and  laid,  Men  and  brethren,  Thisicrip- 
ture  mull  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy 
Ghoft  by  the  mouth  of  David  fpake  before  concerning 
Judas,  which  was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jefus. 
Chap.  ii.  23.  Jefus  of  Nazareth,  being  delivered  by 
the  determinate  counfel  and  foreknowledge  of  God,  ye 
have  taken,  and  by  wicked  hands  have  crucified  and 
{lain.  Chap.  iv.  27.  28.  For  of  a  truth  againft  thy 
holy  child  Jefus,  whom  thou  haft  anointed,  both  Herod 
and  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  people 
of  Ifrael  were  gathered  together,  for  to  do  whatfoever 
thy  hand  and  thy  counfel  determined  before  to  be  done. 
(q  Hof.  v.  11.  Ephraim  is  oppreffed,  and  broken 
in  judgment:  becaufe  he  willingly  walked  after  the 
commandment.  2  Cor.  viii.  11.  12.  Now  therefore 
perform  the  doing  of  it;  that  as  there  was  a  readinefs 
to  will?  fo  there  may  be  a  performance  alfo  out  of  that 

which 


Part  III.  The   Believers  Riddle.  21.3 

To  duty  feldom  I  adh  ere  [rt 
Yet  to  the  end  I  perfevere  (§)  . 
1  die  and  rot  beneath  the  clod  ( •), 
Yet  live  and.  reign  as  long  as  God  ■(/):• 

SECT.     XL 
7 he  myjiery  of Christ ,  bis  names,  natures,   and  offices, 

MY  Lord  appears ;  awake,  my  foul, 
Admire  his  name,  the  TVoriderfui^&X 
An  infinite  and  finite  mind  (<£),  Eternity 

which  you  have.  For  if  there  be  &rft  a  willing  mind,  it 
is  accepted  according  to  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  ac- 
cording to  that  he  hath  not. 

(r)  P/al.  cxix.  176.  I  have  gone  aitray  like  a  loft 
fheep,  feek  thy  fervant :  for  I  do  not  forget  thy  com- 
ma name  nts. 

(/)  Hcb.  x.  39.  But  we  are  not  of  them  who  draw 
back  unto  perdition;  but  of  them  that  believe,  to  the- 
faving  of  the  foul. 

(s)  PfaL  xc.  3.  Thou  turner!  man  to  defmi&ion: 
and  fayft,  return,  ye  children  of  men. 

(7)  John  v.  24.  Verily  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  He 
that  heareth  my  word,  and  believeth  on  him  that  fent~ 
me,  hath  everlafling  life,  and  mall  not  come  into  con- 
demnation ;  but  is  pa-fTed  from  death  unto  life.  Rev, 
iii.  21.  To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  grant  to  fit  with 
me  in  my  throne,  even  as  I  alfo  overcome,  and  am  (qz 
down  with  my  Father  in  his  throne.  Chap.  xxii.  5. 
And  there  fiali  be  no  night  there,  and  they  need  no 
candle,  neither  light  of  the  fan;  for  the  Lord  God 
giveth  them  light:  and  they  fnall  reign  for  ever  and 
ever. 

(a)  If  ix.  6.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us 
a  fon  is  given,  and  the  government  (hall  be  upon  his 
moulder  :    and  his  name  (hall-be  called  Wonderful, 

(<£)  PfaL  cxlvii.   c.  Great  is  ©ur  Lord,  and  of  great, 
power  :""  his  undemanding  is  infinite.  Luke  ii.  53,  And 
jefus  increafed  in  vvifdom  and  ftature,  and  in    favour  \ 
with.  God  and  man. 


214  Gospel     Sonne* 

Eternity  and  time  conjoin'd  (<■). 

The  everUfling  Father  ftyl'd, 
Yet  lately  born,  the  virgin's  child  (/). 
Nor  father  he,  nor  mother  had, 
Yet  full  with  both  relations  clad  (e). 


His  titles  differ  and  accord, 

As  David's  fon,  and  David's  Lord  (f). 

Through  earth  and  hell  how  conou'ring  rode 

The  dying  man,  the  riling  God  (g)\  My 

(c)  Gal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was 
come,  God  fent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a  vvomaM,  made 
under  the  law. 

(d)  If.  ix.  6.  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born, —  and  his 
name  mail  be  called — The  everlafting  Father.  Maith. 
i.  23.  Behold,  a  virgin  fhall  be  with  child,  and  mall 
bring  forth  a  fon,  and  they  fhall  call  his  name  Emma- 
nuel, which  being  interpreted,  is,  God  with  us. 

(e)  Heb.  vii.  3.  For  this  Melchifedec — -without  fa- 
ther, v/ithout  mother,  without  defcent,  having  neither 
beginning  of  days,  nor  end  of  life  j  but  made  like  unto 
the  Sea  of  God,  abideth  a  prieft  continually.  Luke  ii. 
48.  49.  And  when  they  faw  him,  they  were  amazed: 
and  his  mother  faid  unto  him,  Son,  why  haft  thou  thus 
dealt  with  us  ?  behold,  thy  father  and  I  have  fought 
thee  forrowing.  And  he  faid  unto  them,  How  is  it  that 
ye  fougt  me?  wift  ye  not  that  I  muft  be  about  my  Fa- 
ther's bufmefs  ? 

(f)  Matth.  xxii.  41.  45.  43.  44.  45.  While  the 
Fharifees  were  gathered  together,  Jefus  alked  them, 
faying.  What  think  ye  of  Chrift?  whdfe  fon  is  he? 
They  fay  unto  him,  The  fon  of  David.  He  faith  unto 
them,  How  then  doth  David  in  fpirit  call  him  Lord, 
faying.  The  Lord  faid  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my 
right  hand,  till  I  make  thine  enemies  thy  footftool  ?  If 
David  then  call  him  Lord,  how  is  he  his  fon  ?  cifc. 

(g)  Matth.  xxi.  5.  Tell  ye  the  daughter  of  Sion, 
Behold,  thy  king  cometli  unto  thee,  meek,  and  fitting 

upon 


.The   EeluvsSs  RidMe. 

My  nature  is  corruption  doom'd  (h)  ; 
Yet,  when  my  nature  he  afium'd, 
He  nor  on  him  (to  drink  the  hiook)  (i) 
My  perion  nor  corruption  took  (k). 


Yet 


lupon  an  afs,  and  a  colt  the  f'ole  of  an  afs*  i>.  8.  9. 
And  a  very  great  multitude  fpread  their  garments  in 
the  way  ;  others  cut  down  branches  from  the  trees,  and 
flrawed  them  in  the  way.  And  the  multitudes  that 
ivent  before,  and  that  followed,  cried,  faying,  Ho- 
.anna  to  the  ion  of  David  :  BleiTed  is  he  that  cometh  in 
>he  name  of  the  Lord,  Hofanna  in  the  higheft.  <v»  12. 
And  Jefus  went  into  the  temple  of  God,  and  call  out 
all  them  that  fold  and  bought  in  the  temple,  and  over- 
threw the  tables  of  the  money-changers,  and  the  feats 
)f  them  that  fold  doves.  Col.  ii.  25.  And  having 
jfpoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he  made  a  mew  ©f 
khera  openly,  triumphing  over  them  in  it  [his  crofs]. 
\Rom.  iv.  25.  Jefus  our  Lord  was  delivered  for  our  of- 
fences, and  was  raifed  again  for  our  j unification.  Eph. 
iv.  8.  Wherefore  he  [David]  faith,  When  he  afcended 
ap  on  high,  he  led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts 
unto  men.  Rom.  i.  4.  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord  was  de- 
clared to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power,  according  to 
the  fpirit  of  holinefs,  by  the  refurreclion  from  the  dead, 

(h)  Eph.  iv.  22.  Put  off  concerning  the  former 
converfation,  the  old  man,  which  is  corrupt  according 
to  the  deceitful  lulls. 

(i)  Plal.  ex.  7.  He  lhall  drink  of  the  brook  in  the 
way  :   therefore  lhall  he  lift  up  the  head. 

(k)  Rom.  viii.  3.  God  fent  his  own  Son,  in  th« 
ilikenefs  of  finful  fiefh,  and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in 
the  fleih.  Jobni^  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  Hem, 
and  dwelt  among  us  [and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glo- 
ry as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father]  full  of  grace 
and  truth.  Luke  i.  35.  And  the  angel  anfwered  and  faid 
unto  Mary,  The  Holy  Ghoft  lhall  come  upon  thee, 
and  the  power  of  the  Higheft  lhall  overlhadow  thee: 
therefore  alfo  that  holy  thing  which  lhall  be  born  of 

thee, 


2  1 6  Gospel     Sonnet  j, 

Yet  he  aflum'd  my  fin  and  guilt  (l)> 
For  which  the  noble  blood  was  fpilt. 
Great  was  the  guilt-o'erflowing  flood, 
The  creature's  and  Creator's  blood  (m)  ! 

The  Chief  of  chiefs  amazing  came  (n)> 


. 


To 


thee,  fhall  be  called  the  Son  of  God.  Heb.  ii.  16.  For 
verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels ;  but  h< 
took  on  hiin  the  feed  of  Abraham.  Chap.  vii.  26.  27. 
For  fuch  an  high  prieft  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harm- 
lefs,  undented,  feparate  from  fmners,  and  made  higher 
than  the  heavens;  who  needeth  not  daily,  as  thofe  high 
priefts,  to  offer  up  facrince,  firft  for  his  own  fins,  anc 
then  for  the  peoples:  for  this  he  did  once,  when  he 
offe red  up  him fe I f . 

(I)  If.  liii.  6.  All  we  like  fheep  have  gone  aftray: 
we  have  turnei  every  one  to  his  own  way,  and  th< 
Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  2  Cor.  v 
2i.  God  hath  made  Chriii  to  be  fin  for  us,  who  knew 
no  fin;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  in  him.  Matth.  xx.  28.  The  Son  of  man  came 
to  give  his  life  a  ranfom  for  many. 

\fn)  Row.  iii.  25.  Whom  God  hath  fet  forth  to  be, 
a  propitiation,  tlirough  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare 
his  rightecumefs  for  the  reiniinon  ©f  fins  that  are  paft, 
through  the  forbearance  of  God.  Ach  xx.  28.  Feed 
the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchafed  with  Lis 
own  blood.  1  Pet.  i.  18.  19.  Forafmuch  as  ye  know 
thst  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as 
iiiver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  converfation  received 
by  tradition  from  your  fathers;  but  with  the  precious 
blood  of  Chriii:,  as  of  a  Lamb  without  blemifh  and 
without  fpot.  1  Johnm.  16.  Hereby  perceive  we  the 
love  of  God,  becaufe  he  laid  down  his  life  for  us. 

(/-?)  ''Rev.  i.  4.  5.  Grace  be  unto  you,  and  peace 
from*—  jefus  Chriit,  who  is  the  faithful  witnefs,  and 
tie  firft-begotten  of  the  dead,  and  the  prince  of  the 
kings  of  th-c  earth. 


Part.  III.  The  Believers  Riddle.  217 

To  bear  the  glory  and  the  fhame  (jty; 
Anointed  Chief  with  oil  of  joy  (/), 
Crown'd  Chief  with  thorns  of  fharp  ann@y  (f. 

Lo,  In  his  white  and  ruddy  face 
Rofes  and  lilies  ftrive  for  place  (r) ; 
The  morning-ftar,  the  rifing  fun 
With  equal  fpeed  and  fplendor  run  (/). 

How  glorious  is  the  church's  head, 
The  Son  of  God,  the  woman's  feed  {/)  \ 

T  How 

(3)  Zech.  vi.  12.  1  j,  Behold  the  man  whofe  name 
is  the  BRANCH, — he  fhall  build  the  temple  of  the 
Lord,  and  he  fhall  bear  the  glory.  Heb.  xii.  2.  Jefus, 
for  the  joy  that  was  fet  before  him,  endured  the  crofs, 
defpifing  the  fhame,  13 c. 

(p)  Pfal.  xlv.  7.  Thou  loveit.  righteoufnefs,  and 
hateft  wickednefs :  therefore  God,  thy  God,  hath  an- 
ointed thee  with  the  oil  of  gladnefs  above  thy  fellows. 

(q}Mattb.  xxvii.  29.  And  when  they  had  platted 
a  crown  of  thorns,  they  put  it  upon  his  head,  and  a 
reed  in  his  right  hand:  and  they  bowed  the  knee  be- 
fore him,  and  mocked  him,  faying,  Hail  king  of  the 
Jews. 

(r)  Song  11.  1.  I  am  the  rofe  of  Sharon,  and  the  li- 
ly ©f  the  valleys. /Chap,  v.  10.  My  beloved  is  white 
and  ruddy,  the  chiefeft  among  ten  theufand. 

(/)  Re<v.  xxii,  16.  I  [Jefus]  am  the  root  and  the 
offspring  of  David,  and  the  bright  and  morning-ftar. 
Mai.  iv.  2.  But  unto  you  that  fear  my  name,  mail  the 
Sun  of  righteoufnefs  arife  with  healing  in  his  wings: 
and  ye  fhall  go  forth  and  grow  up  as  calves  of  the  ftall. 

(j)  Col.  i.  18.  And  Chrift  is  the  head  of  the  body, 
the  church:  who  is  the  beginning,  the  nrft-born  from 
the  dead;  that  in  all  things  he  might  have  the  pre- 
eminence. John  iii.  16.  God  fo  loved  the  world,  that 
he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whofcever  believ- 
cth  in  him,  mould  not  perifh,  but  have  everkfting  life. 

Geni 


2l8  GOSPKL       SONKETS. 

How  fearehlefs  is  his  noble  clan  (/), 
The  firft,  the  laft,  the  fecond  man  («)  \ 

With  equal  brightnefs  in  his  face, 
Shines  divine  jullice,  divine  grace  (i/) ; 
The  jarring  glories  kindly  meet, 


Stern 


Gen.  iii.  15.  And  I  [the  Lord  God]  will  put  enmity 
between  thee  and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  feed 
and  her  feed:  it  mall  bruife  thy  head,  and  thou  fhalt 
bruife  his  heel. 

(/)  If.  liii.  8.  He  was  taken  from  prifon  and  from 
judgment :  and  who  mail  declare  his  generation  ? 
Prcv.  xxx.  4.  Who  hath  afcended  up  into  heaven,  or 
defcended?  who  hath  gathered  the  wind  in  his  Ms? 
who  hath  bound  the  waters  in  a  garment?  who  hath 
eftablifhed  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  ?  what  is  his  name, 
and  what  is  his  fon's  name,  if  thou  canfl  tell  ? 

(«)  Rev.  i.  11.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  firft 
and  the  Jaft.  1  Cor.  xv.  45.  The  laft  Adam  was  made 
a  quickening  fpirit.  ^.47*  The  fecond  man  is  the 
Lord  from  heaven. 

(<v)  2  Cor.  iv.  6.  For  God  who  commanded  the 
light  to  mine  out  of  darknefs,  hath  mined  in  our  hearts^ 
to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God, 
in  the  face  of  Jefus  Chrift.  Rom.  iii.  24.  25.  26. 
Being  juftified  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemp- 
tion that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift :  whom  God  hath  fet  forth 
to  be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  de- 
clare hisrighteoufnefsfor  theremifiionof  fins  that  are 
paft,  through  the  forbearance  of  God ;  to  declare,  I 
fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs :  that  he  might  be 
juft,  and  thejuftifierof  him  which  believeth  in  Jefus. 
Eph.  i.  6.  7.  To  the  praife  of  the  glory  of  his  grace, 
wherein  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in  the  beloved :  in 
whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blo®d,  the  for- 
givenefs  of  fins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grac«. 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  219 

Stern  vengeance,  and  companion  Tweet  (w). 

God  is  a  Spirit,  feeffis  it  odd 
To  fing' aloud  the  blood  of  G-od  (.*•}; 
Yea,  hence  my  peace  and  joy  refill  t, 
And  here  my  lafting  hope  is  built  (y) . 

Love  through  his  blood  a  vent  has  fought, 
Yet  divine  love  was  never  bought : 
Mercy  could  never  purchas'd  be, 
Yetev'ry  mercy  purchas'd  he  («)/ 

T  2  His 


(•xu)  Rom.  v.  20.  21.  But  where  fin  abounded, 
grace  did  much  more  abound :  that  as  iin  hath  reigned 
unto  death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign  through  righte- 
oufnefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefu's  Chrift  our  L 
Pfal.  lxxxv.  10.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together: 
righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  kiffed  each  oth'c 

(x)  Jobn'vj.   24.   God  is   a  Spirit,   an 
worlhip   him,  muft  v/ormip  him  in  rpirit  and  in   truth. 
Atts  xx.  28.  Feed  the  church  of  God,  which  he   hath 
purchafed  with  his  own  blood. 

(y)  Rom;  v^  1. ■  Therefore  being juftined  by  faith, 
we  have  peace  with  Goa,  through  our  Lord  Jefus 
Chrift.  <v.  10,  For  if  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were 
reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  his  Son :  much  more 
being  reconciled,  we  mail  be  faved  by  his  life.  1  Pet. 
iii.  1 5 .  Be  ready  always  to  give  an  anfwer  to  every  man 
that  afketh  you  a  reafon  of  the  hope  that  is  in  yos,  with 
meeknefs  and  fear.  <u.  18.  For  Chrift  alfo  hath  once 
fufFered  for  fias,  the  juft  for  the  unjuft,  [that  he  might 
bring  us  to  God],  being  put  to  death  in  the  flelh,  but 
quickened  by  thfc  Spirit. 

(z)  Rom.  v.  9.  Much  more  then  being  n©w  juftifi- 
ed  by  his  blood,  foe  mall  be  faved  from  wrath  through 
him.  <v.  2  1.  See  letter  (w).  John  iii.  16.  God  fo  loved 
the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that 
whofoever  believeth  in  him,  fhould  not  perifh,  bur 
have  everlafting  life.  Rom,  ix.  15.  God  faith  to  Mo- 
les, 


: 


2-zo  Gospel     Sonnets. 

His  triple  ftation  brought  my  peace, 
The  Altar,  Prieft,  and  Sacrifice  (a) ; 
Kis  triple  office  ev'ry  thing, 
My  Prieft,  my  Prophet  is,  and  King  (b). 

This  King,  who  only  man  became, 
Is  both  the  Lion  and  the  Lamb  (r) : 


ies,  I  will  have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and 
I  will  have  compaffion  on  whom  I  will  have  compaf- 
fion. Epb.  i.  3.  Blefled  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jems  Chrift,  who  hath  blefled  us  with  all  fpiritu 
blefllngs  in  heavenly  places  in  Chrift. 

(a)  Heb.  xiii.  10.  We  have  an  altar  whereof  the 
have  no  right  to  eat,  which  ferve  the  tabernacle.  Chap, 
ii.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to  be 
made  like  unto  his  brethren ;  that  he  might  be  a  mer- 
ciful and  faithful  high  prieft,  in  things  pertaining  to 
God,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  fins  of  the  people. 
Chap.  ix.  26.  But  now  once  in  the  end  of  the  world, 
hath  Chrift  appeared  to  put  away  fin  by  the  facrifice  of 
himfelf. 

(b)  Atts  vii.  37.  This  is  that  Mofes  which  faid  unto 
the  children  of  Ifrael,  A  prophet  (hall  the  Lord  your 
God  raife  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me; 
him  mall  ye  hear.  If.  xxxiii.  22.  The  Lord  is  our 
judge,  the  Lord  is  our  lawgiver,  the  Lord  is  our  king, 
lie  will  fave  us. 

(<:)  1  Tim.  ill.  16.  And  without  controversy,  great 
is  the  myftery  of  godlinefs  :  God  was  manifeft  in  the 
fiefh,  &c.  Rev.  v.  5.  6.  And  one  of  the  elders  faith 
unto  me  [John],  Weep  not:  behold,  the  Lion  of  the 
tribe  of  Juda,  the  root  of  David,  hath  prevailed  to 
open  the  book,  and  to  loofe  the  feven  feals  thereof. 
And  1  beheld,  and  lo,  in  the  midft  of  the  throne,  and 
of  the  four  beafts,  and  in  the  midft  of  the  elders  flood  a 
Lamb  as  it  had  been  flainr  having  feven  horns,  and  fe- 
ven eyes,  which  are  the  feven  Spirits  of  God  fent  forth 
into  all  the  earth,  v.  12,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 

was 


/ 

Part  HI.  The  Believer's  Riddle,  zzv 

A  King  of  kings,  and  kingdoms  broad,  (d) ; 
A  fervant  both  to  man  and  God  (<?). 

This  Prophet  kind  himfelf  has  fet 
To  be  my  book  and  alphabet, 
And  ev'ry  needful  letter  plain, 
Alpha,  Omega,  and  Amen  (/). 

T  3  SECT. 

was  flain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wifdomj 
and  ftrength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  bleffing. 

{d)  Rev.  xix.  1 6.  And  he  [the  Wo?d  of  God]  hath 
on  his  vefture  and  on  his  thigh  a  name  written,  KING 
OF  KINGS,  AND  LORD  OF  LORDS.  If.  xxxvii, 
15.  16.  And Hezekiah  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  faying, 
O  Lord  of  holts,  God  of  Ifrael,  that  dwelleft  between 
the  cherubims,  thou  art  the  God,  even  thou  alone,  of 
all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  thou  hail:  made  heaven 
and  earth.  Rev.  xi..  15.  And  the  feventh  angel  foun- 
ded, and  there  were  great  voices  in  heaven,  faying, 
The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms 
of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Chrift,,-andhe  (hall  reign  for 
ever  and  ever.  ; 

'  (e)  Matth.  xx.  28.  The  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be 
miniftered  unto,  but  to  minifter,  and  to  give  his  life  a 
ranfom  for  many.  Philip,  ii.  7.  Chrift  Jefus  made 
himfelf  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form 
of  a  fervant,  and  was  made  in  the  likenefs  of  men.  I/l 
xlii.  1 .  Behold  my  fervant' whom  I  uphold,  mine  eJecl 
in  whom  my  foul  delighteth.  Chap.  liii.  11.  By  his 
knowledge  lhall  my  righteous  fervant  j  unify  many. 

(/)  Rev.  i.  8.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  begin- 
ning and  the  ending,  faith  the  Lord,  which  is,  and 
which  was,  and  which  is  to  come,  the  Almighty,  v. 
IT.  I  am  Alpha  ..and  Omega,  the  iirft  and  the  laft: 
and,  What  thou  [John]  feefl,  write  in  a  book,  and 
fend  it  unto  the  feven  churches  which  are  in  Alia. 
Chap,  xxi.  6.  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning 
and  the  end :  I  will  give  unto  him  that  is  athirft,  of  the 
fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely.  Chap,  xxii.  13. 

I 


222  Gospel     Sonnets, 

SECT.     XII, 

The  myfery  of  the  believers  mixed  fate  further  enlar- 
ged, and  his  getting  good  out  of  e*viL 

BEhold,  I'm  all  defil'd  with  fin  {a), 
Yetlo,  all  glorious  am  within  (6). 
In  Egypt  and  in  Gojhen  dwell  (c) ; 
Still  movelefs,  and  in  motion  ftill  [d). 

Unto  the  name  that  moft  I  dread, 

I  flee  with  joyful  wings  and  fpeed  (e). 

My  daily  hope  doft  moft  depend . 

On  him  I  daily  moft  ofFerd    (/).  All 

I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end, 
the  firfl  and  the  laft.  Chap.  iii.  14.  And  unto  the  an- 
gel of  the  church  of  the  Laodiceans,  wfite,  Thefe 
things  faith  the  Amen,  the  faithful  and  true  witnefs> 
the  beginning  of  the  creation  of  God,  &c. 

{a)  If.  lxiv.  6.  But  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing, 
and  all  our  righteoufneiTes  are  as  filthy  rags. 

(I)  Pfal.  xlv.  13.  The  king's  daughter  is  all  glo- 
rious within ;  her  cloathing  is  of  wrought  gold. 

(0  Pfal.  cxx.  5.  6.  Wo  is  me,  that  I  fojourn  in 
Mefech,  that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar.  My  foul 
hath  long  dwelt  with  him  that  hateth  peace,  xvi.  5.  6. 
The  Lord  is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance',  and  of  my 
cup  :  thou  maintained:  my  lot.  The  lmes  are  fallen  un- 
to me  in  pleafant  places;  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

(d)  1  Cor.  xv.  58.  Therefore,  my  beloved  bre- 
thren, be  ye  ftedfafl,  immoveable,  always  abounding 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord  forafmuch  as  ye  know  that- 
your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

(e)  Pfal.  cxliii.  2.  O  Lord,  enter  not  into  judg- 
ment with  thy  fervant:  for  in  thy  light  Ihall  no  man 
living  bejiilliried.  <v.  9.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from- 
mine  enemies :  I  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

(/)  Pfal.  xxv.  11.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord, 
pardon  mine  iniquity ;  for  it  is  great.  Jer.  xiv.  7.  O 

Lord, 


Part  III."  TBe  Believer's    Riddk,  z£^ 

All  things  againjl  me  are  combin'd,   . 
Yet  working  for  my  good,  I  find  (g-)3    . 
I'm  rich  in  midft  of  poverties  (£), 
And  happy  in -my  miferies  (*'). 

Oft  my  Comforter  fends  me  grief,  , 
My  Helper  fends  me  no  relief  {k) .   , 
Yet  herein  my  advantage  lies,  •= 
•  That  help  and  comfort  he  denies  (/),'  *  As- 

Lord,  though  our  iniquities  teftify  againfl  us,  do  thou. 
it  for  thy  name's  fake :  for  our  backflidings  are  many, 
we  have  finned  againfl  thee,  - 

(g)  Gen.  xlii.  36.  And  J acob  their  father  faid  unto 
them,  Me  have  ye  bereaved  of  my  children  :  jofeph  is 
not,  and.  Simeon  is  not,  and  ye  will  take  Benjamin  2- 
way:  ail'thefe  things  are  againft  me.  Rom.  viii.  z8a 
And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good*, 
to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  ac- 
cording to  his  purpofe.- 

(A)  Rev.ii.8.  9.  And  unto the  angel  of  the  church 
in  Smyrna,  write,  Thefe  things  faith  the  firfi:  and  the 
laft,  which  was  dead,  and  is  alive ;  I  know  thy  works, 
and  tribulation-,  and  poverty,  [but  thou  art  rich]. 

(z)  Rom.  v.  3.,  4.  5.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  glory 
in  tribulations  alfo,  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh 
patience:  and  patience,  experience;  and  experience, 
hope :  and  hope  maketh-  not  aihamed,  becaufe  the  love 
of  God  is  fhed  abroad"  in  our  hearts,  by  the  Holy 
Ghoft  which  is  given  unto  us,  2  Cor,  xii.  10.  There  i 
fore  I  [Paul]  take  pleafure  m  infirmities,  in  reproach- 
es, in  neceffities,  in  perfections,  in  diftreffes  for 
Chrift's  fake  :  for  when  I  am  weak,  then  am  I  ftron-?*, 
-  (i)  Lam.  i.  16.  For  thefe  things  I  weep,  mine  eye, 
mine  eye  runneth  down  with  water,  becaufe  the  com- 
forter that  mould  relieve  my  foul,  is  far  from  me.  If 
xlv,  15.  Verily  thou  art  a  God  that  hideii  thyfelf,  O 
God  of  Ifrael  the  faviour. 

(/)  If.  xxx.  18.  And  therefore  will  the  Lord  -  wait, 
fchat  he  may  be  gracious  unto  you,  and  therefore   will 

kg 


'0|  Gospel     Sonnets, 

As  feamfters  into  pieces  cut 
The  cloth  they  into  form  would  put, 
He  cuts  me  down  to  make  me  up, 
And  empties  me  to  fill  my  cup  (.>»)• 

I  never  can  myfelf  enjoy, 
Till  he  my  woful  felf  deftroy ; 
And  moft  of  all  myfelf  I  am, 
When  moll  I  do  myfelf  difclaim  (*)» 

I  glory  in  infirmities  {o\ 

Yet  daily  am  afhamrd  of  thefe  (p) :  Yet,- 

lie  be  exalted,  that  he  may  have  mercy  upon  you  :  foi 
the  Lord  is  a  God  of  judgment:  bleifed  are  all  they 
that  wait  for  him, 

(m)  Hof.  v.  15.  I  will  go  and  return  to  my  place, 
till  they  acknowledge  their  offence,  and  feek  my  face 
in  their  affliction  they  will  feek  me  early.  Chap.  vi.  1 
2.  Come  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord:  for  he  hath 
torn,  and  he  will  heal  us;  he  hath  fmitten,  and  h< 
will  bind  us  up.  After  two  days  will  he  revive  us,  in 
the  third  day  he  will  raife  us  up,  and  we  ihall  live  in 
his  fight.  Pfal.  cvii.  9.  God  fatisneth  the  longing 
foul,  and  filleth  the  hungry  foul  with  goodnefs.  Lukei. 
53.  And  Mary  faid, — He  hath  filled  the  hungry  with 
good-things,  and  the  rich  he  hath  fent  empty  away. 

(»)  Lukeix.  23.  24.  And  Jefus  faid  to  them  all,  If 
any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himfelf.  and 
take  up  his  crofs  daily,  and  follow  me.  For  whofoever 
will  fave  his  life,  fhall  lofe  it :  but  whofoever  will  lofe 
his  life  for  my  fake,  the  fame  fhall  fave  it.  Rom.  viii. 
13.  If  ye  live  after  the  fiefh,  ye  fhall  die:  but  if  ye 
through  the  Spirit  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body, 
ye  fhall  live.   2  Cor.  xii.   10.  See  letter  (i). 

(0)  2  C;r.  xii.  9.  Moil  gladly  therefore  will  I  ra- 
ther glorv  in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Chrift 
may  refc  >'ipon  me. 

(/)  Pful.  lxxiii.  15.  16.  If  I  fay,  I  will  fpeak  thus; 
behold,  I  fhould  offend  againft  the  generation  of  thy' 

children. 


Fart  III.  The  Believer's   RidMe. 

Yea,  all  my  pride  gives  up  the  ghoft, 
When  once  I  but  begin  to  boaft  (£)„ 

My  chemi&ry  is  moil  exact, 
Heav'n  out  of  hell  I  do  extract  (r): 


This 


children.  When  I  thought  to  know  this,  it  was  too 
painful  forme.  Ixxvii.  8.  9.  10.  Is  his  mercy  clean 
gone  for  ever?  doth  his  promife  fail  for  evermore? 
hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious  ?  hath  he  in  anger 
ihut  up  his  tender  mercies  ?  Selah.  And  I  faid,  This 
is  my  infirmity :  but  I  will  remember  the  years  of  the 
right  hand  of  the  Moil  High. 

(<p)  If.  xlv.  24.  25.  Surely,  ihall  one  fay,  in  the 
Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs  and  ilrength :  even  to  him 
fhall  men  come,  and  all  that  are  incenfed  againfl  him, 
ihall  be  afhamed.  In  the  Lord  ihall  all  the  feed  of  If- 
rael  bejuftified,  and  ihall' glory.  PfaL  xliv.  6.  I  will  • 
not  truft  in  my  bow,  neither  ihall  my  fword  fave  me^ 
*v.  8.  In  God  we  boaft  all  the  day  long :  and  praife  thy 
name  for  ever#  Selah. 

{r)  Jonah  ii.  1.  2.  Then  Jonah  prayed  unto  the 
Lord  his  God  out  of  the  iinVs  belly,  and  faid,  I  cried 
by  reafon  of  mine  affliction  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 
heard  me;  out  of  the  belly  of  hell  cried  I,  and  thou 
heardft  my  voice.  <u»  4.  Then  I  faid,  I  am  call  out  of 
thy  iight;  yet  I  will  look  again  toward  thy  holy  tem- 
ple. Matth.  xv.  26.  27.  28.  But  Jefus  anfwered  and 
laid  [unto  the  woman  of  Canaan],  It  is  not  meet  to 
take  the  childrens  bread,  and  to  call  it  to  dogs.  And 
fhe  faid,  Truth,  Lord:  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs 
which  fall  from  their  mailer's  table.  Then  Jefus  an- 
fwered and  faid  unto  her,  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith: 
be  it  unto  thee  even  as  thou  wilt.  And  her  daughter 
was  made  whole  from  that  very  hour.  Pfal.  xlii.  6.  7, 
8.  O  my  God,  my  foul  is  call  down  within  me  :  there- 
fore will  I  remember  thee  from  the  land  of  Jordan,  and 
of  the  Hermonites,  from  the  hill  Mizar.  Deep  calleth 
unto  deep,  at  the  noife  of  thy  water-fpouts;  all  thy 

wavsjii 


226  Gospel      Sonnet  sr; 

This  art  to  me  a  tribute  brings 
Ofufeful  out  of  hurtful  things  (]). 

I  learn  to  draw  well  out  of  woe, 
And  thus  to  difappoint  the  fot  fsj: 
The  thorns  that  in  my  flefh  abide, 
©o  prick  the  tympany  of  pride  (t). 

By  wounding  foils  the  field  I  win, 
And  fin  itfelf  deftroys  my  fin  («) : 


Mi 


waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me.  Yet  the  Lord 
will  command  his  loving-kindnefs  in  the  day  time,  and 
in  the  night  his  fong  fhall  be  with  me,  and  my  prayer 
unto  the  God  of  my  life. 

(J)  Rom.  v,  3.  4.  5.  See  letter  (i)  . 

(j)  Micah  vii.  8.  Rejoice  not  againfl  me,  O  mine 
enemy  :  when  I  fall,  I  mail  arife ;  when  I  fit  in  dark- 
nefs,  the  Lord  fhall  be  a  light  unto  me. 

(t)  2  Cor.  xii.  7.  And  left  I  fhould  be  exalted  a- 
bove  meafure  through  the  abundance  of  the  revela- 
tions, there  was  given  to  me  a  thor»  in  the  flefh,  the 
mefTenger  of  Satan  to  buffet  me,  left  I  fhould  be  exalt- 
ed above  meafure. 

(u)  Rom.  viii.  35.  37.  Who  fhall  feparate  us  from 
the  love  of  Chrift  ?  fhall  tribulation,  or  diftrefs,  or 
perfecution,  .  or  famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  peril,  or 
i word  ?  Nay,  in  all  thefe  things  we  are  more  than  con- 
querors, through  him  that  loved  as.  Pfal.  lxv.  3.  Ini- 
quities prevail  againftme:  as  for  our  tranfgreifions, 
thou  fhalt  purge  them  away.  2  Cbron.  xxxii.  24.  25. 
26.  In  thofe  days  Hezekiahwas  fick  to  the  death,  and 
prayed  unto  the  Lord:  and  he  fpake  unto  him,  and  he 
gave  him  afign.  But  Hezekiah  rendered  not  again, 
according  to  the  benefit  done  unto  him  :  for  his  heart 
was  lifted  up  ;  therefore  there  was  wrath  upon  him, 
and  upon  Judah  and  Jerufalem.  Notwithftanding,  He- 
zekiah humbled  himfelf  for  the  pride  of  his  heart, 
[both  he  and,the  inhabitants  of  Jerufaler»]„  ,fo  that  the 

wrath 


Part  III.  ;%bt  BeHevsr**  Riddle,    .  zt\ 

My  lBfts  break  one  another's  pate, 
And  each  corruption  kills  its  mate  (jv).3 

I  fmell  the  bait,  I  feel  the  harm 

Of  corrupt  ways,  and  take  th*  alarm. 


wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in  the  days  of 
Hezekiahu 

(z/)  Rom.  vii.  7.  8.  9.' What  mall  we  fay  then?  Is 
the  law  fin  ?  God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  fin, 
but  by  the  law  :  for  I  had  not  known  luft,  except  the 
law  had  faid-,  Thou  malt  not  covet, .But  iin  taking  oc- 
cafion  by  the  commandment:,  wrought  in  me  all  man- 
ner of  concupifcence.  For  without  the  law  iin  was 
dead.  For  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once :  but  when 
the  commandment  came,  fin  revived,  and  I  died.  <v. 
II.  For  fin  taking  occafion  by  the  commandment,  de- 
ceived me,  and  by  it  flew  me.  <v.  13.  Was  then  that 
which  is  good,  made  death  unto  me?  God  forbid.  Bat 
fin  that  it  might  appear  fin,  working  death  in  me  by 
that,  which  is  good;  that  fin  by  the  commandment 
might  become  exceeding  finful.  Where  you  fee  the  fight 
etnd  feeling  of  fin  killed  f elf .  johnlx.  39.  40.  41.  And 
Jefus  faid,  For  judgment  I  am  come  into  this  world  : 
that  they  which  fee  not,  might  fee ;  and  that  they 
which  fee,  might  be  made  blind.  And  fome  of  the 
Pharifees  which  were  with  him,  heard  thefe  words, 
and  faid  unto  him,  Are  we  blind  alfo  ?  Jefus  faid  unto 
them,  If  ye  were  blind,  ye  fhould  have  no  fin :  but  now 
ye  fay,  We  fee ;  therefore  your  fin  remaineth.  Pjal. 
lix.  11.  Slay  them  not,  left  my  people  forget :  fcatter 
them  by  thy  power;  and  bring  them  down,  O  Lord 
our  fhield.  Matth.  xxvi.  33.  34.  Peter  anfwered  and 
faid  unto  him,  Though  all  men  fhall  be  offended  be- 
came of  thee,  yet  will  I  never  be  offended.  Jefus  faid 
unto  him,  Verily  I  fay  unto  thee,  that  this  night,  be- 
fore the  cock  crow,  thou  fhalt  deny  me  thrice.  <v.  yc, 
And  Peter  remembered  the  words  of  Jefus,  which  faid 
unto  him,  Before  the  cock  crow,  thou  fhalt  deney  me 
thrice.  And  he  went  out,  and  wept  bitterly. 


223  Gostel     Sonnets. 

I  tape  the  bitternefs  of  fin, 

And  then  to  relifh  grace  begin  (w). 

I  hear  the  fools  profanely  talk, 

Thence  wifdom  learn  in  word  ?.nd  walk  (x) : 


, 


(nv)  Rom.  vi.  2 1 .  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  thofe 
things,  whereof  ye  are  now  afhamed  ?  for  the  end  of 
thofe  things  is  death.  Pfal.  xix.  u.  Moreover,  by 
them  [the  judgments  of  the  Lord]  is  thy  fervant  warn- 
ed: and  in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward, 
lxxiii.  17.  18.  19.  Until  I  went  into  the  fancluary  of 
God ;  then  underftood  I  their  end.  Surely  thou  didft 
fet  them  in  flippery  places :  thou  caftedft  them  down 
into  deftrudlioiu  How  are  they  brought  into  defla- 
tion, as  in  a  moment !  they  are  utterly  confumed  with 
terrors.  Jer.  ii.  19.  Thine  own  wickednefs  fhall  cor- 
rect thee,  and  thy  backflidings  mall  reprove  thee: 
knew  therefore  and  fee,  thai  it  is  an  evil  thing  and  bit- 
ter, that  thou  haft  forfaken  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  that 
my  fear  is  not  in  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hofts. 

(x)  Job  xxi.  13.  14.  15.  They  fpend  their  days  in 
wealth,  and  in  a  moment  go  down  to  the  grave. 
Therefore  they  fay  unto  God,  Depart  from  us;  for  we 
defire  not  the  knowledge  of  thy  ways.  What  is  the 
Almighty,  that  we  mould  ferve  him  ?  and  what  profit 
mould  we  have  if  we  pray  unto  him  ?  Epb.  iv.  2c.  2 1 . 
22.  But  ye  have  not  fo  learned  Chrift ;  if  To  be  that  ye 
have  heard  him,  and  have  been  taught  by  him,  as  the 
truth  is  in  Jefus :  that  ye  put  off  concerning  the  former 
converfation,  the  old  man,  which  is  corrupt  according 
to  the  deceitful  lufts.  Chap.  v.  6.  7.  8.  Let  no  man 
deceive  you  with  vain  words:  for  becaufe  of  thefe 
things  cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  children  of 
difobedience.  Ee  not  ye  therefore  partakers  with  them. 
For  ye  were  fometimes  darknefs,  but  now  are  ye  light 
in  the  Lord :  walk  as  children  of  light.  <v.  11.  And 
have  no  fellowfhip  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  dark-  J 
nefs,  but  rather  reprove  them. 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle*  229 

I  fee  them  throng  the  pa/Tage  broad, 
And  learn  to  take  the  narrow  road  (y)+ 

SECT.     XIII. 

The  my  fiery  of  the  faints  adverfaries  and  ad-verfties. 

A  Lump  of  woe  affliction  is, 
Yet  thence  I  borrow  lumps  of  blifs  (a)  : 
Though  few  can  fee  a  bleffing  in't, 
It  is  my  furnace  and  my  mint  (b). 

Its  iharpnefs  does  my  lulls  difpatch  (c) ; 
Its  fuddennefs  alarms  my  watch  ( d) ; 

U  Its 

(y)  Matth.  vii.  13.  14.  Enter  ye  in  at  the  ftfalt 
gate;  for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way  that 
leadeth  to  deftruclion,  and  many  there  be  which  go  in 
thereat :  becaufe  ilrait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the 
way  which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find 
it. 

(a)  Heb.  xii.  11.  Now  no  chafcening  for  the  pre- 
fent  feemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous:  neverthelefs, 
afterward  it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteouf- 
nefs,  unto  them  which  are  exercifed  thereby.  James  i. 
12.  BlefTed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation:  for 
when  he  is  tried,  he  fhall  receive  the  crown  of  life, 
which  the  Lord  hath  promifed  to  them  that  love  him. 

(b)  If.  xkx'u  9.  And' he  [the  AjSytianj  (hall  pafs  o- 
ver  to  his  ftrong  hold  for  fear,  and  his  prince 5  (hall  be 
afraid  of  the  enfign,  faith  cL.e  Lord,  whofe  fire  is  in 
Zion,  and  his  furnace  in  jenrfalem. 

(c)  PfaL  xlv.  £.  Thine  arrows  are  fharp  in  the 
heart  of  the  king's  enemies ;  whereby  the  people  fall 
under  thee. 

(d)  Mark  xiii.  35.  36.  37.  Watch  ye  therefore, 
[for  ye  know  not  when  the  mailer  of  the  houfe  corn- 
eth;  at  even,  or  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock- crowing, 
or  in  the  morning],  left  coming  fuddenly,  he  fnd  you 
fleeping.  And  what  I  fay  unto  you,  I  fay  unto  all, 
Watch. 


2^0  .fi'O  I  P  E  L 


O   N    N    L"    t  5, 


Its  bitternefs  refines  my  tafte, 

And  weans  xne  from  the  creature's  breait  (e)  . 

Its  wtightinefs  doth  try  my  back, 
That  faith  and  patience  be  not  ilack  (f)i 
It  is  a  fanning  wind,  whereby 
I  am  unchaff'd  of  vanity  fgj, 

A  furnace  to  rerine  my  grace  (b), 
A  wing  to  lift  my  foul  apace  (i); 
.Hence  ftill  the  more  I  fob 
The  more  I  fine  my  er.dlefb  reil  (k). 


Mine 


(e)  Jer.  ii.  19.  See  letter  fw)  forfeited.  Chap.  W. 
18.  Thy  way  and  thy  doings  have  procured  thefe 
things  unto  thee,  this  is  thy  wickednefs,  becaufe  it  is 
bitter,  beeaufe  it  reacheth  unto  thine  heart. 

(f)  James  i.  2.  3.  4.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy 
when  ye  fall  into  divers  temptations;  knowing  this, 
that  the  trying  of  your  faith  worketh  patience.  But  let 
patience  have  her  perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  per- 
fecl  and  entire,  wanting  nothing. 

(g)  If.  xxvii.  8.  9.  In  meafure  when  it  fhooteth 
forth,  thou  wilt  debate  with  it;  he  ilayeth  his  rough 
wind  in  the  day  of  the  eaft-wind.  By  this  therefore  fhall 
the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the 
fruit  t. 

(c)  Mai.  iii.   3.  And  he  [the  meiTenger  of  the  co- 

.  refiner  and  purifier  of  filver:   and 

lie   fhall   purify  the  fons  of  Levi,  and  purge    them    as 

gold  and  filver,  that  they  ni;ty  offer  unto  the  Lord  an 

o  iFe  1  i  n  rr  i  n  righ :  e  0  ufn  e  f  • . 

(/;   .  i.  •.  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine 

.  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 
..    16.   17.  For  which  caufe  we  faint 
t  r  outward  man  perifh,  yet  the  in- 
.1  day  by  day.  For  our  light   afflic- 
tion,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a   far 
- .  .ling  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 


ART. 


Ill,  The  Believer's  PJMe.  zil 


Mine  enemies  that  feek  my  hurt,  • 

Of  all  their  bad  defigns  come  fhort  (!) ; 

They  ferve  me  duly  to  my  mind. 

With  favours  which  they  ne'er  defign'd  (?»), 

The  fury  of  my  foes  makes  me 
Fall  to  my  peaceful  refuge  flee  (*}  : 
And  ev'ry  perfecuting  elf 
Does  make  me  underftand  myfelf  (0). 

U  2  Their 

(/)  PfaL  xxxiii.  10.  The  Lord  bringeth  the  counfel 
©f  the  heathen  to  nought :  he  maketh  the  devices  of  the 
people  of  none  effect. 

(/»)  Gen,  1.  20.  And  Jofeph  faid  unto  his  brethren, 
■ — As  for  you,  ye  thought  evil  againft  me;  but  God 
meant  it  unto  good,  to  bring  to  pafs,  as  it  is  this  day, 
to  fave  much  people  alive. 

(n)  PfaL  lv.  23.  But  thou,  O  God,  malt  bring 
them  down  into  the  pit  of  deftruclion  :  bloody  and  de- 
ceitful men  mall  not  live  put  half  their  days,  but  I  will 
truft  in  thee. 

(0)  My  fin,  If.  xlii.  24-.  Who  gave  Jacob  for  a 
fpoil,  and  Ifrael  to  the  robbers  ?  did  not  the  Lord,  he 
againft  whom  we  have  finned  ?  for  they  would  not  walk 
in  his  ways,  neither  were  they  obedient  unto  his  lav/. 
My  duty,  2  Sam.  xvi.  II.  12.  And  David  faid  to  Abi~ 
fhai,  and  to  all  his  fervants,  Behold,  my  fon  which 
came  forth  of  my  bowels,  feeketh  my  life:  how  much, 
more  now  may  this  Benjamite  do  it?  let  him  alone, 
and  let  himcurfe:  for  the  Lord  hath  bidden  him.  It 
may  be  that  the  Lord  will  look  on  mine  affliction,  and 
that  the  Lord  will  requite  me  good  for  his  cur- 
fmg  thisday.  Micah  vii.  8.  9.  Rejoice  not  againft  me, 
O-  mine  enemy  :  when  I  fall,  I  mall  ariie  ;  when  I  fit 
in-,  darknefs,  the  Lord  fhall  be  a  light  unto  me.  I  will 
bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  becaufe  I  have  fin- 
ned againft  him,  until  he  plead  my  caufe,  and  execute 
judgment  for  me  :  he  will  bring  me  forth  to  the  light, 
and  I  mall  behold  his  righteoufnefs.  My  fafety,  PjaL 

ix* 


232  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Their  (landers  cannot  work  my  fhame  (/), 
Their  vile  reproaches  raife  my  name  {q)  : 
In  peace  with  Heav'n  my  foul  can  dwell,  ' 
Ev'i>when  they  damn  me  down  to  hell  (r). 

Their  fury  can't  the  treaty  harm  (/J, 

Their  pailion  does  my  pity  warm  (s)  :  Their 

ix.  9.  10.  The  Lord  alfo  will  be  a  refuge  for  the  op- 
preifed,  a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble.  And  they  that, 
know  thy  name,  will  put  their  truft  in  thee  :  for  thou, 
Lord,  haft  not  forfaken  them  that  feek  thee.  <v.  16. 
The  Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment  which  he  exe- 
cuteth  :  the  wicked  is  fnared  in  the  work  of  his  own 
hancs.  Higgaion,  Selah. 

(/)  Pfal.  xxxi.  13.  14.  For  I  have  heard  the  (lan- 
der of  many,  fear  was  on  every  fide,  while  they  took 
counfel  together  againit.  me,  they  devifed  to  take  away 
my  life.  But  I  truited  in  thee,  O  Lord:  I  faid,  Thou 
art  my  God. 

(q)  1  Pet.  iv.  14.  If  ye  be  reproached  for  the  name 
of  Chriil,  happy  are  ye;  for  the  fpirit  of  glory  and  of 
God  refteth  upon  you  :  on  their  part  he  is  evil  fpoken 
of,  but  on  your  part  he  is  glorified. 

(r)  Numb,  xxiii.  7.  8.  And  Balaam  took  up  his 
parable,  and  faid,  Balak  the  king  of  Moab  hath  bro't 
me  from  Aram,  out  of  the  mountains  of  the  eaft,  fay- 
ing, Come  curfe  me  Jacob,  and  come,  defy  Ifrael. 
How  (hall  I  cirfe,  whom  God  hath  not  curfed?  or  how 
mail  1  defy,  whom  the  Lord  hath  not  defied?  <v . .  23, 
Surely  there  is  ro  inchantment  againft  Jacob,  neither 
is  there  any  divination  againft  Ifrael :  according  to  this 
time  it  (hall  be  faid  of  Jacob,  and  of  Ifrael,  Whakhath. 
God  wrought! 

(J)  Prov.  xxvi.  2.  As  the  bird  by  wandering,  as 
the  ("wallow  by  flying,  fo  the  curfe  caufelefs  (hall  not 
come. 

0)  1  Pet.  iii.  8.  9.  Finally,  be  ye  all  of  one  mind, 
having  companion  ene  of  another,  love  as  brethren,  be 
pitifal,  be  courteous:  not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  oj 

railing 


Part.  Ill-  The  Believer's   Riddle.  23-3 

Their  madnefs  only  calms  my  blood  {t) ; 
By  doing  hurt,  they  do  me  good  (a). 

They  are  my  fordid  ilaves  I  wot ; 

My  drudges,  though  they  know  it  not(<z/-): 

U  3  They 

railing  for  railing :  but  contrariwife,  bleffing;  knowing 
that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  .that  ye  mould  inherit  a 
bleffing. 

(t)  PjfaL  Ixix.  12.  13*  They  that  fit  in  the  gate 
fpeak  againft  me;  and  I  was  the  fong  of  the  drun- 
kards. But  as  for  me,  my  prayer  is  unto  thee,  O  Lord, 
in  an  acceptable  time  :  O  God,  in  the. multitude  of  thy 
mercy  hear  me,  in  the  truth  of  thy  falvation. 

[u)  Gen.  1.  20.  See  letter  (m)  forecited.  EJiher  ix. 
20.  si.  22.  23.  24.  25.  And  Mordecai  wrote  thefe 
things,  and  fent  letter*,  unto  all  the  Jews  that  were  in 
all  the  provinces  of  the  king Ahamerus,  both  nigh  and 
far;  to  ftabiifh  this  among  them,  that  they  mould  keep 
the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar,  and  the  fifteenth 
day  of  the  fame  yearly:  as  the  days  wherein  the  Jews 
relied  from  their  enemies,  and  the  month  which  was 
turned  unto  them  from  forrow  to  joy,  and  from  mourn- 
ing into  a  good  day :  that  they  mould  make  them  days 
offeafting.and  joy,  and  of  fending  portions  one  to  an- 
other, and  gifts  to  the  poor.  And  the  Jews  undertook 
to  do  as  they  had  begun,  and  as  Mordecai  had  written 
unto  them.  Becaufe  Hainan  the  fon  of  Hammedatha 
the  Agagite,  the  enemy  of  all  the  Jews,  had  devifed 
0:  the  Jews  to  deftrcy  them,  and.  had  call  Pur 
[that  is,  the  lot]  to  confume  them,  and  to  defrroy  them: 
but  whemEfiher  came  before,  the  kir  :  aided 

by  letters,  that  his  wicked  device  which  he  i 
gainlt  the  Jews,  mould  return  upon  h 
that  he  and  his  fons  mould  be  hange 

{•■v)  jcr.  xxv.  8.  9.  Therefore  thus  faith 
cfhofts,  Becaufe  ye  have  not  heard  my  v  hold, 

I  will  fend  and  take  all  the  families  of  tl  f  :ith 

the  Lord,  and  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  a  my 

fervant, 


23<f  Gospel     S  o  n  n  e  t  »» 

They  aft  to  me  a  kindly  part, 

With  little  kindnefs  in  their  heart  (wj. 

They 

fervant,  and  will  bring  them  againft  this  land,  and  a- 
gainft  the  inhabitants  thereof,  and  againft  all  thefe  na- 
tions round  about,  and  will  utterly  deitroy  them,  and 
make  them  an  aftoniihment,  aad  an  hilling,  and  perpe- 
tual defolations.  v.  i.».  And  it  fhall  come  to_pafs  when 
feventy  years  are  accomplilhed,  that' I  will  punifh  the 
king  of  Babylon,  and  that  nation,  faith  the  Lord,  for 
their  iniquity,  and  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  will 
make  it  perpetual  defolations.  If.  x.  5.  6.  O  Affyrian, 
the  rod  of  mine  anger,  and  the  ftaff  in  their  hand  is 
mine  indignation.  I  will  fend  him  againft  an  hypocri- 
tical nation  j  and  againft  the  people  of  my  wrath  will  I 
give  him  a  charge  to  take  the  fpoil,  and  to  take  the 
prey,  and  to  tread^  them  dowR  like  the  mire  of  the 
ftreets.  <v.  12.  Wherefore  it  mall  come  to  pafs,  that 
when  the  Lord  hath  performed  his  whole  work  upon 
mount  Zion,  and  on  Jerusalem,  I  will  punifh  the  fruit 
of  the  float  heart  or  the  king  of  Affyria,  and  the  glory 
of  his  high  looks.  Chap.  xliv.  24.  28.  Thus  faith  the 
Lord  thy  redeemer,  and  he  that  formed  thee  from  the 
womb,  I  am  the  Lord — that  faith  of  Cyrus,  He  is  my 
ihepherd,  and  fhall  perform  all  my  pleafure,  even  fay- 
ing to  Jeiufalem,  Thou  fhalt  be  built;  and  to  the  tem- 
ple, Thy  foundations  fhall  be  laid.  Chap.  xlv.  1. 
Thus  faith  the  Lord  to  his  anointed,  to  Cyrus,  whofe 
right  hand  I  have  holden,  to  fubdue  nations  before 
him :  and  I  will  loofe  the  loins  of  kings  to  open  before 
him  the  two- leaved  gates,  and  the  gates  fhall  not  be 
fnut.  <v.  4.  For  Jacob  my  fervant's  fake,  and  Ifrael 
mine  eleft,  I  have  even  called  thee  by  thy  name:  I 
have  fir-named  thee,  though  thou  haft  not  known  me. 

(nvj  Matth.  v.  10.  11.  12  BlelTed  are  they  which 
are  perfecuted  for  righteoufnefs  fake :  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  BlelTed  are  ye  when  men  fhall  re- 
vile you,  and  perfecute  you,  and  fhall  fay  all  manner 
or  evil  againft  you  falfely  for  my  fake.  Rejoice,  and 

be 


Fart  III*  TBe  Believer's    Riddle*  23?. 

They  fvveep  my  outer  houfe  when  foul, 
Yea,  wafh  my  inner  filth  of  foul  C#)  : 
They  help  to  purge  away -my  blot,  . 
For  Moah  is  my  wafhing-pot  C y)° 

SEC  T,    XIV.  . 

The  my  fiery  of 'the  believer's  pardon  and fecurity  from 
revenging  voratb,  nottwithfi  anding  his  Jin's  defert. 


I 


Though  from  condemnation  free, 
Find  fuch  condemnables  in  me, 
3  As- 


be  exceeding  glad:  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven: 
for  fo  perfecuted  they  the  prophets  which  were  before 
you.  Luke  vi.  22.  23.  Blelfed  are  ye  when  men  mail 
hate  you,  and  when  they  mail  feparate  you  from  their 
company,  and  fhall  reproach  you,  and  call  out  your 
name  as  evil,  for  the  Son  of  man's  fake.  Rejoice  ye  in 
hat  day,  and  leap  for  joy :  for  behold,  yo«r  reward  is 
great  in  heaven  :  for  in  the  like  manner  did  their  fa- 
thers  unto  the  prophets.. 

(x)  If.  iv.  3.  4. .5. And  it  fhall. come  to  pafs,  that 
he  that  is  left  in  Zion,  and  he  that  remaine  thin  Jeru- 
falem,  fhall  be  called  holy,  even  every  one  that  is  writ- 
ten among  the  living  in  Jerufalem:  when  the  Lord 
fhall  have  warned  away  the  filth  of  the  daughters  of  Zi- 
on,. and  fhall  have  purged  the  blood  of  Jerufalem  from 
the  midft  thereof,  by  the  fpirit  of  judgment,  and  by 
the  fpirit  of  burning.  And  the  Lord  will  create  upon 
every  dwelling-place  of  mount  Zion,  and  upon  her  af- 
femblies  a  cloud,  and  fmoak  by  day,  and  the  fhining 
of  a  flaming  iire  by  night :  for  upon  all  the  glory  fhall 
be  a  defence.  Chap,  xxvii.  9.  By  this  therefore  fhall 
the  iniquity  of  Jacob  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit 
to  take  away  his  fin;  when  he  maketh  all  the  flones  of 
the  altar  as  chalk-Hones  that  are  beaten  in  funder,  the 
groves  and  images  fhall  not  fland  up. 
OO  ^A7'  1*.  8,  Moab  is  my  wam-pot,  fcfc. 


z%L  Gospel     Sonnets, 

As  make  more  heavy  wrath  my  due 
Than  falls  on  all  the  damned  crew  {a\ 

I  lit  though  my  crimes  deferve  the  pit, 
I'm  no  more  liable  to  it; 
RemiiTion,   feal'd  with  blood  and  death, 
Secures  me  from  deferred:  wrath  (b). 

And  having  now  a  pardon  free, 

To  hell  obnoxious  cannot  be, 

Nor  to  a  threat,  except  *  anent  *  about , 

Paternal  wrath  and  chaftifement  (<r*r  .  • 

My 

{a)  Rom.  viii.  i.  There  is  therefore  now  no  con- 
demnation to  them  which  are  in  Chriit.  Jefus,  who 
walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the-  Spirit.  Chap, 
vii.  18.  For  Iknow,  thatin  me,  [that is,  in  my  flefhj 
dwelleth  no  good  thing:  for  to  wiihis  prefent  with  me, 
but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good,  I  find  not.  i 
Tim.  i.  15.  1 6.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy 
of  all  acceptation,  that  Chriit  Jefus,  came  into  the 
world  to  fave  fmners  ;  of  whom  I  am  chief.  Howbeit, 
for  this  caufe  I  obtained  mercy,  that  in  me  firft  Jefus 
Chriit  might  fhew  forth  all  long-fufFering,  for  a  pat- 
tern to  them  which  frjould  hereafter  believe  on  him  to 
lifeeverlafti 

(b)  Gal.  iii.  1 3 .  Chriit  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curie  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curie  for  us :  for  it  is 
written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 
Rom.  v.  9.  Much  more  then  being  now  jufrified  by  his 
blood,  we  mall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him. 
Epb.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his 
blood,  the  fergivenefs  of  fins,  according  to  the  riches 
of  his  grace. 

(<r)  1  ThrJT.  \.  10.  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from 
heaven,  whom  he  raifed  from  the  dead,  even  Jefus 
which  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to  come.  If.  liv.  9. 
10.  For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me :  for  as 
I  have  fworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  foould  no  more 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle*  2.37 

My  foul  may  oft  be  fill'd  indeed 
With  flavifh  fear  and  hellifh  dread  {d)i. 
This  from  my  unbelief  does  fpring  0), 
My  faith  fpeaks  out  fome  better  things 

Faith  fees  no  legal  guilt  again, 
Though  fin  and  its  defert  remain  (f)\ 
Some  hidden  wonders  hence  refult ; 
Pm  full  of  fin,  yet  free  of  guilt  {g),. 

Guik- 

go  over  the  earth;  fo  have  I  fworn  that  I  would  not  be 
wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke  thee.  For  the  mountains 
fhall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed,  but  my  kind- 
nefs  fhall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither  fhall  the  coven* 
ant  of  my  peace  be  removed,  faith  the  Lord,  that  hath 
mercy  on  thee,  J*fal.  lxxxix.  30.  31.  32.  33.  If  his 
children  forfake  t  my  law,  and  walk  not  in  my  judg- 
ments; if  they  break  my  itatutes,  and  keep  not  my 
commandments:  then  will  Ivifit  their  tranfgreffiori 
with  the  roi,  and  their  iniquity  with  firipes.  Never- 
thelefs,  my  loving-kindnefs  will, I  not  utterly  take 
from  him f  nor  fafFer'my  faithfulnefs  to  fail. 

(d)  Matth.  xiv.  26.  And  when  the   difciples    faw 
Jefus  walking  on  the  fea,  they  were  troubled,  faying^ 
It  is  a  fpirit ;  and  they  cried  out  for  fear. 
...   (s    Mark  iv.  40.  And  jefus  faid  unto  his  difciples, 
Why  are  ye  fo  fearful?  how  is  it  that  ye  have  no  faith? 

(f)  Rom.  vii.  6.  But  now  we  are  delivered  from 
the  Jaw,  that  being- dead  wherein  we  were  held;  that 
we  fhould  ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and  not  in  the. 
oldnefs  of  the  letter.  Chap.  viii.  3.  4.  For  what  the 
law  ceuid  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  throug  the  flefh, ., 
God  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flefh, 
and  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the  flefh :  that  the  righ- 
teoufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk 
not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 

(g)  Rom.  vii.   "14.  For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpi- 
ritual :  but  I  am  carnal,  fold   under  fin.  Chap,  viii,  . 
33.  34.-  Who  fhall   lay  anything   to-  the  charge  of 

God's 


21%  Gospel     SVn  n  e  t  r. 

Guilt  is  the  legal  bond  or  knot, 

That  binds  to  wrath  and  vengeance  hot  (£); 

But  fin  may  he  where  guilt's  away., 

And  guilt  where  fin  could  never  flay. 

Guilt  without  any  fin  has  been, 
-     As  in  my  furety  may  be  feen  j 
The  elecVs  gssilt  upon  him  came, 
Yet  Hill  he  was  tiiz  holy  Lamb  ^;,. 

Sin  without  guilt  may  likewife  be,  . 
As  may  appear  in  pardon'd  me  : 
For  though  my  fin,  alas  !  does  fray, 
Yfft  pardon  takes  die  guilt  away  (i\ 

Thus  freed  I  am,  yet  ftill  involv'd;  . 

A  guilty  finner,  yet  abfolv'd  (/) :  Though 

God's  ele&?  It  is  Go£  thatjuftifieth:  who  is  he  that 
condemneth?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea  rather,  that  is 
rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
who  alfo  makethinterceiTion  for  us. 

{b)  Deut.  xxvii.  26.  Curfed  be  he  that  confirmeth 
not  all  the  words  of  this  law  to  do  them:  and  all  the 
people  fhall  i\v,  Amen.  Rom.  i.  1  &.  For  the  wrath  of 
God  is  revealed  from  heaven  againft  all  ungodlinefs, 
and  unrighteoufaefs  of  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  uiir 
rightepufnefo, 

(z)  If.  2 iii „  6.  The  Lord  hath  laid  on'hirn  the  ini> 
quity  of  us  all.  Heh.  vii.  26.  For  fuch  an  high  prieft 
became  us,  who  is  holy,  harmlefs,  undefiled,  feparate 
from  iinners. 

(/•)  Rom.  vii.  24.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who 
flrall  deliver  me  from  tlie  body  of  this  death!  Acis  xiii. 
38.  39.  Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore,  men  and  bre- 
thren, that  through  this  man  is  preached  unto  you  the 
forgivenefs  of  fins:  and  by  him  all  that  believe,  are 
juftified  from  all 'things,  from  which  ye  could  not  be 
j unified  by  the  law  of  Mefes. 

(/)  Rom.  iii.  19.  Now  we  know  that  what  things 
focKer  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  the 

law  : 


Part  Hf.  The   BtBek 


-jer  s 


239 


Though  pardon  leave  no  guilt  behii 
Yet  fin's  defert  remains  I  rind  (m). 


■  GuiU  and  demerit  differ  here, 
Though  oft  their  names  confounded  are, 
I'm  guilty  in  mjfelf&lwzys, 
Since  fin's  demerit  ever  flays  (*)- 

Yet  in  my  headYm.  always  free 

From  proper  guilt  affe&iiig  me ; 

Becaufe  my  ft  rety's  ;     .      :ance 

The  bond  of  cud  held    :).  Th 


law:   that  every   mouth  may  t  i,  and   all   the 

world  may  become  guilty  before  God.  ■tv.   23.   24.  For 
all'  ka  i,  and  come  fhort  of  the       1  y  of  God; 

justified  freely  hy  his  grace,  through  the  redemp- 
tion that  is  in  Jems  Chrift. 

i?n)  Rem.  iv.  6.  7.  8.  Even  as  David  alfd  defc 
eth  the  bfeffednefs  of  the  man  unto  wh  ut- 

eth  rigJiteoufnefj  Jt  works,   .  are 

ies  are  forgiven,  and  whoie  fins   are 
covered.  Bleffed  is  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will  not 
-impute   fin.  Pfal.  li.   3.  4.  For    I  acknowledge     my 
•tranfgrefilons :  and  my  fin  is  ever  before  me."  Ag 
thee,  thee  only  have  I  finned,  and  done  this  evil  in  thy 
fight :  that  thou  mighteft  be  juftiiied  when  thou  fpeak- 
eft,     and  be  clear  when   thou  judgeib   clxiii.    2.    O 
Lord,  enter  not  int©  judgment  with  thy   fervant:  for 
in  thy  fight  fhall  n©  man  living  he'juftifidd. 
^(ti)Rom.  vii.    13.    14.  Was  then  that  which  rs  good, 
mace   death  unta    me?  God  forbid.  But   fin    that  k 
might  appear  fin,  working  death  in  me  by  that  vvhich 
is  good;  that. fin  by  the  commandment  might  become 
exceeding  linful.   For  we  know  that  the  law  is  fpiritu- 
al:   but  I  am  carnal.  Ibid  under  fin.  Eph.  v.   6,  Let 
no  man  deceive  you  with  vain  words :  for  becaufe    of 
thefe  things  cometh  the  vyrath  of  God.  U| 
qren  ©f  diicbedience. 

(0)  Rom,  v.   1.  Therefore  being  juftrfied  by  faith, 
we  have  peace  with  God,  through  Qur'Lord    fefus 

Chi 


:40  Gospel     Sonnets. 

The  guilt  that  pardon  did  divorce, 
From  legal  threat'nings  drew  its  force  (/); 
But  fin's  defert,  that  lodges  ftill, 
Is  drawn  from  fin's  intrinfic  ill  {q). 

Were  guilt  nought  elfe  but  fin's  defert, 
Of  pardon  I'd  renounce  my  part ; 
For,  were  I  now  in  heav'n  to  dwell, 
I'd  own  my  fins  deferved  hell  (r).. 


Chrift-.  <v.  9.  Much  more  then  being  now  juftiiied  by 
his  blood,  we  fhall  be  faved  from  wrath  through  him. 
*v.  11.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy  in  God,  thro' 
our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  we  have  now  received 
the  atonement. 

(/)  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of 
the  law,  are  under  the  curfe;  for  it  is  written,  Curfed 
is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are 
written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them.  <v.  13. 
Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from  the  curfe  of  the  law, 
being  made  a  curfe  for  us  :  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is 
every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree. 

(g)  PJ'al.  li,  4.  See  letter  (m)  fore riled.  Lukexv.  18. 
I  will  arife,  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  fay  unto 
him,  Father,  I  have  finned  againft  heaven,  and  before 
thee. 

(r)  Luke  xv.  19.  And  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  cal- 
led thy  fon.  Rev.  v.  4.  And  I  [John]  wept  much  be* 
eaufe  no  man  was  found  worthy  to  open,  and  t®  read 
the  book,  neither  to  look  thereon.  v.  9.  And  they 
fung  a  new  fong,  faying,  Thou  art  worthy  to  take  the 
book,  and  to  open  the  feals  thereof:  for  thou  waft 
{kin,  and  haft  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood,  out 
of  every  kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation. 
<v.  11.  12.  13.  And  I  beheld,  and  I  "heard  the  voice 
of  many  angels  round  about  the  throne,  and  the  beafts, 
and  the  elders :  and  the  number  of  them  was  ten  thou- 
fand  times  ten  thoufand,  and  thoufands  of  thoufands  ; 
faying  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 
-  was 


Part  III.  &&*  Believer's  Riddle*  241 

This  does  my  higheft  wonder  move 
At  raatchlefs  juftifying  love, 
That  thus  fecures  from  endlefs  death 
A  wretch  deferving  doable  wrath  (/J. 

Though  well  my  black  defert  I  know, 
Yet  I'm  not  liable  to  woe; 
While  full  and  complear  righteoufnefs 
Imputed  for  my  freedom  is  (s). 

X  Hence 

was  llain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wifdom, 
and  ftrength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  bleiling. 
And  every  creature  which  is  in  heaven,  and  on  the 
earth,  and  under  the  earth,  and  fach  as  are  in  the  fea, 
and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard  I,  faying,  Bleiling, 
and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power  be  unto  him  that 
ntteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever 
and  ever. 

1  f)  Rom.  vii.  24.  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am, 
who  ihall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  !  I 
thank  Sod,  through  jefus  Chiift  our  Lord.  Chap, 
viii,  1.  There  is  therefore  new  no  condemnation  to 
them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the 
fiefh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  1  Tim.  i.  13.  Who  was  be- 
fore a.  blafphemer,  ar.d  a  perecutor,  and  injurious. 
But  I  obtained  mercy,  became  I  did  it  ignorantly,  in 
u  belief.  «u.  15.  16.  17.  Tnis  i  a  faithful  faying, 
and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Cr. rift  Jefus  c*me 
into  the  world  to  fave  fmners ;  oi  whom  1  am  chief. 
Howbeit,  for  this  caufe  I  obtained  mercy,  that  in  me 
firft  Jefos  Chrift  might  {hew  forth  ail  lo  g  fufFering, 
for  a  pattern  to  them  which  mould  hereafter  believe 
on  him  to  life  everiaftiRg.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal, 
immortal,  invifible,  the  only  wife  God,  be  honour  and 
glory,  for  ever  and   even  Amen. 

(j)  1  Cor.  i.  30.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus, 
who  of  Gad  is  made  unto  u:  *—  righteouinefs — and  re- 
demption 2  Cor.  v.  21.  God  hath  made  Chrift  to  be 
fin  for  us,  who  knew  no  hn ;  that  we  might  be  made 

she 


24?  Gosper     So 


N   N  E   T  S, 


Hence  my  fecurity  from  wrath 
As  firmly  Hands  on  Jejus'  death  (/), 
As  does  my  title  unto  heav'n 
Upon  his  great  obedience  giv'n  (u). 

The  fer.tence  Heav'n  did  full  pronounce3 
Has  pardon'd  all  my  fins  at  once ; 
And  ev'n  from  future  crimes  acquit, 
Before  I  could  the  facts  commit  (<*>), 


the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him,  Rom.  iv.  n.  And 
he  [Abraham]  received  the  fign  of  circumcifion,  a  feal 
of  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  faith  which  he  had  yet 
being  uncircumcifed:  that  he  might  be  the  father  of 
all  them  that  believe,  though  they  be  not  circumcifed; 
that  righteoufnefs  might  be  imputed  unto  them  alfo. 
*u.  22.  23.  34.  25.  And  therefore  it  was  imputed  to 
him  for  righteoufnefs.  Now  it  was  not  written  for  his 
fake  alone,  that  it  was  imputed  to  him ;  but  for  us  al- 
fo, to  whom  it  (hall  be  imputed,  if  we  believe  on  him 
that  raifed  up  Jefus  our  Lord  frcm  the  dead,  who  was 
delivered  for  our  offences,  and  war.  raifed  again  for  oar 
judication. 

(/)  Rem.  v.  9.  Much  more  then  being  now  juitifed 
by  his  blood,  we  mall  be  faved  from  wrath  through 
Mm. 

(u)  Rom.  v.  17.  18.  19. — They  which  receive  a- 
bundance  of  grace,  and  of  the  gift  of  nghteoufnefs, 
fhall  J^ign  m  life  by  one,  Jefus  Chrift..— -By  the  right- 
eoufnefs of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto 
jy.f:ification  of  life. — By  the  obedience  of  one  (hall  ma- 
ny be  made  righteous.  -z>.  21.  Grace  reigns  through 
righteoufnefs  unta  eternal  life,  by  jefus  Chrift-  our 
Lord 

t<v)  PjaL  ciii.  3-Blefsthe  Lord,  O  my  foul, — who 
feroiveth  all  thine  iniquities;  who  healeth  ail  thy  di- 
feafes.  2  Cor.  v.  19.  God  was  in  Cforift,  reconciling 
the  werld  uwto  himielf,  n -t  imputing  their  trefpaffes 
^nto^them.  *v«  -ai.  See  letter  (s)  abo<vt  cited,  Dan.  ix. 

24. 


Part  ELL  The  Reliever' t  Riddle.  2ft 

I'm  always  in  a  pardon'd  ftate 
Before  and  after  fin  (w);  but  yef> 
That  vainly  I  prefume  not  hence, - 
I'm  feldom  pardon'd  to  my  feme  (x\ 


I'm  feldom  pardon'd  to  my 

X  2  Sin 

24.  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy  people, 
and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to  -finite-  the  tr  anfgreifion,  -  arrd 
to  make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make  reconciliation,  for 
iniquity,  and  to  bring  in  everlafting  righteoumefs.  If. 
liv.  10.  For  the  mountains  fha.Il  depart,  and  the  hills 
be  removed;  but  my  kindnefs  fhail  not  depart  from 
thee,  neither  mall  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be  remov- 
ed, faith  the  Lord,  that  hath  mercy  on  thee.  HeL 
viii.  12.  For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  unrighteouf- 
nefs,  and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember 
no  more. 

(w)  Rem.  viii.  i-  There,  is  therefore  now  no  con- 
demnation to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  jefus,  who 
walk  not  after  the  fleih,  but  after  the  Spirit,  v.  33, 
34-  3S-'  37'  3%*  39-  Who  fhall  lay  any  thing  to  the 
charge  of  God's  elect?  It  is  God  that  juftifieth:  who 
is  he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died,  yea  ra- 
ther, that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand 
£>f  God-,  who  alfo  maketh  inteiceiTion  for  us.  Who 
fhall  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  Chriil  ?  Ihall  tribula- 
tion, or  diftrefs,  or  perfbeution,  or  famine,  or  naked- 
nefs,  ©r  peril,  orf.vordf  Nay,  in  all  thefe  things  we 
are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him  that  loved  us. 
For  lam  perfuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor 
angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  pre- 
fent,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,,  nor  depth,  nor 
any  ocher  creature,  fhall  be  able  to  feparate  us  from  the 
love  of  God  which  is  in  Chriil  Jefus  our  Lord. 

(x)  Pjal.  xxv.  11.  For  thy  name's  fake,  O  Lord, 
pardon  mine  iniquity :  for  it  is  great,  li.  8.  9.  Make 
me  to  hear  joy  and  gladnefs ,  that  the  bones  which  thou 
haft  broken,  may  rejoice.  Hide  thy  face  from  my  fins; 
and  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities.  «y.  12.  Reftore  unto 
me  the  joy  of  thy  falvaiion ;  and  uphold  me  with  thy 
free  fpirit> 


2^4     -  GeiPEL       S  O  N  W  E  T  s. 

Sin  brings  a  vengeance  on  my  head, 
Though  from  avenging  wrath  I'm  freed  fyj, 
And  though  my  fins  tf//pardon'd  be, 
Their  pardon's  not  apply' d  to  mc  (^-). 

Thus  thoKgh  I  need  no  pardon  mow; 
Yet  need  new  pardon's  ev'ry  hour  V 
In  point  of  application  free  ; 
Lord,  vrafh  anew,  and  pardon  me. 

SECT.     XV. 

The   my  fiery  of  faith  and  fights  cf  which  more.  Fart   vi. 
Chap.  4. 


s 


T  range  contradictions  me  befal, 
I  can't  believe  anlefs  I  fee  (a) ;  Yet 


^yj  /y^A  xcix.  8.  Thou  anfweredft  them,  O  Lord 
our  God  :  thou  waft  a  God  that  forgavefl  them,  though 
thou  tookeft  vengeance  of  their  inventions.  1  Th?£\  i. 
l-o.  And  to  wait  for  his  Son  from  heaven,  whom  he 
raifed  from  the  dead,  even  Jelus  which  delivered  us 
from  the  wrath  to  come. 

(jc)  Ffal.  xxxv.  3.  O  Lord,  fay  unto  my  foul,  I  am 
thy  falvation.  Ixxxv.  8.  I  will  hear  what  Gad  the  Lord 
will  fpeak :  for  he  will  fpeak  peace  unto  his  people, 
and  to  his  faints:  but.  let  them  not  turn  again  to  foily. 
M&tth.  ix.  2.  And  behold,  they  broaght  to  him  a  man 
fick  of  the  palfy,  lying  on  a  bed:  and  Jefus  feeing 
their  faith,  fa  id  unto  the  fick  of  the  palfy,  Son,  be  of 
good  cheer,  thy  fins  be  forgiven  thee. 

(*)  Matih.  vi.  12.  And  forgive  us  cur  debts,  as  we 
forgive  our  debtors.  1  John  i.  7.  8.  If  we  walk  in  the 
,  as  God  is  in  the  light,  we  have  fellov.fhip  one 
with  another,  and  the  blood  of  jefus  Chri&  his  Son 
cleanfeth  us  from  all  fin.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no 
fin,  we  deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 

(a)  John   vi.  40.  And  this  is  the  will  of  him  that 
fent  me,  that  every  cue   which  feeth   the  Son* 
beiieveth  on  him,  may  have  everUfting  life. 


Part.  Ill,  The  Bthtvtr**  RidJU*  y,t 

Yet  never  can  believe  at  all, 

Till  once  I  fhut  the  feeing  eye  (£), 

When  fight  of  fvveet  experience 

Can  give  my  faith  no  helping  hand  (r)9 

The  fight  of  found  intelligence 

Will  give  it  ample  ground  to  ftand(^}. 

I  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight  {e) ; 
Yet  knowledge  does  my  faith  re  found  (f)y 

X  35  Which 

.ii       i     -       -  -- — —  -  " 

{b)  John  xx.  29.  Jeftfs  faith'  unto  him,  Thomas^ 
becaufe  thou  haft  feen  me,  -thou  haft  believed :  blefled 
are  they  that  have  not  feen,  and  yet  have  believed. 

(<-)  I/l  viii.   17.  And  I   will  wait   upon   the  Lord 
that   hideth  hrs  face  from  the  houfe  of  Jacob,  and  I  ': 
will  Took  for  him.  Chap.  I.   10.  Who  is  among   you 
that  fear-eth  the  Lerd,  that  obeyeth the  voice  of  his  fer~ 
vant,  that  walketh  in  darknefs,  and  hath  no  light  ?  let  * 
him  -truilin  the  name  of  the  Lord,-  and  flay  upoa  hia^ 
God.- 

(^)  Efh.  i.  i$.  16.  17.  \%.  19.  Wherefore T  a!f<V- 
after  I  heard  of  your  faith  in  the  Lord  Jefus>  and  love 
unto  all -the  faint?;  ceafe^not  to  give  thankr  for  youp 
making  mention  of  you  in  my:  prayers  5  that  the  God  j 
of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  the  Father  of- glory,  may 
give  unto  you  the  Spirit  of  wifdom  and  revelation,  in 
the-  knowledge  of  him  f  the  eyes  of  your  understanding 
being  enlightened ;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope 
of  his  e ailing,,  and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory  of  his 
inheritance  in  the  faints;  and  what  is  the  exceeding 
greatnefo  r  of -hit-power  toward  us  who  believe,  accor- 
ding to  the  working  of  his  mighty  power,  £5fr.  2.  Car, 
iv.  6.  For  God,  who  commanded  the  light  to  mine 
oat  of.darknefs,  hath  mined  incur  hearts,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in,  the  face 
of  Jefus  Chrift, 

(e)  2  Cor.  v.  7.  For  we  walk  by  faith",  not  by  fight> 

(f)  John  ii.<  1 ! .  This  beginning  of  n  iracles  did  Je- 
fus in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and  manifefted  forth  his  glervj  , 
and  his  difciple*  believed  on  hira. 


Zip  •©■  O  S  F  B  L       S  0  N  if  fi  T  I.    . 

Which  cannot  walk  but  in  the  fight  (g) 
Ev'n  when  experience- runs  a-ground  (6). 

By  knowledge  I  dilcem  and  fpy 

In  divine  light  the  object  mown  (*'); 
By  faith  J  take  and  ci  :ie  a 

The  glbriows  Object  as  mine  own  (,{). 

My  faith  th'u.s  fiand's  on  divine  light, 

Believing  what  it  clearly  fe^s  (/) ;   - 
Yet  faith  is  oppofite  to  fight,,   . 

Trutting  its  ear,  and  not  its  eyes  (//*). 

Faith  lifl'ni  ig  to  a  fwect  repo;v. 

Still  comes  by  hearing,  .not  by  fight  (77); 

Vet  is  not  faith  of  faving  fort, - 

But  when  it  fees  in  divide  light  {?).  In 

»  -»    ■        ,  ■■- ■"    . 

(g)  Pfal.  ix.  io.UAnd  they  that, know  thy  name, 
will  put  their  truft  in  thee. 

{b)  Pfih  xxvii.    14.   Wait  on  the  Lord  :  be  of 
courage,  and   he  mall  flrengthen  thine   heart:   wait,  I 
fay,  on  the  Lord. 

(1)  s  Ccr.  iii.  1 8-  But  we  all  with  open  face,  be- 
holding as  in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  -are  chang- 
ed into  the  fame  image,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as 
by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

(k)  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to 
them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  fons  of  God,  even 
to  them  that  believe  on  his  name. 

(I)  Gal.  i.  -16.  But  when  it  pleafed  God — to  re- 
veal his  Sen  in  me,  that  I  might  preach  him  among  the 
heathen;  immediately  I  conferred  not  with  flefh  and 
blood. 

(m)  Epb.  i.  13.  In  Chrift  ye  alfo  trufted  after  that 
ye  heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gofpel  of  your  falva- 
tion. 

(n)  Rom.  x.  17.  So  then,  faith  cometh  by  hearings 
smd  hearing  by  the,  word  of  God. 

(0)  Pfai.xxx.vi.  7.  Hew  excellent  is  thy  loving- 
IkiQdnefs,  0  God  I  therefore  the  children  of  men  put 

thek 


Part  III/.. 

In  fears  I  fpend  my  viral  breath, 

In  doubts  I  waile  my  paffing  years  (p)  \ 

Yet  ftill  the  life  I  live  is  faith, 

The  oppofite  of  doubts  and  fears  (^). 

'Tween  clearing  faith  and  clouding  fenfb, 
I  walk  in  darknefs  and  in  light  (r  j, 


im- 


their  truft  under  the  ihadow  of  thy.  wings,  v,  g,  p©r 
with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  ILef  in  thy  light  mail  we 
fee  light, 

(p)  PfaK  Ix'xvii.  3.  4.  I  remembered  God,  znd 
was  troubled?  I  complained,  and  my  fpirit  Was  over- 
whelmed, Selah.  Thou  holdeil  mine  eyes  walking: 
I  am  fo  troubled  that  I  cannot  fpeak.  jeon  xx.  25.  But 
Thomas  faid  unto  the  other  diiciples,  Except  I  fhkll 
fee  in  his  hands  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  put  my  fin- 
ger into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  thruil  my  hand  into 
his  fid^,1  I  will  not  believe.  Luke  xxiv.  21 .  We  truiied 
that  it  had  been  he  which  fhouid  have  redeemed  Iirael, 

(q)  Gal.  ii.  20=  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift:  Ne= 
vt.ihelefs  1  live;  yet  not  I,  but  Chrift  liveth  in  me: 
:  \e  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  rlefa,  I  live  by  the 
faith  of  the  Son  at  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  him- 
{elf  for  me.  Mark  v.  36.  As  icon  as  je<ns  heard  the 
word  that  was  fpcken,  he  faith  unto  the  juler  of  the  fy<* 
na^ogue,  Be  not  afraid,  only  believe.  Matth.  viii. 
tj.  And  jefus  faith  unto  his'  difciples,  Why  are  \e 
learful,  C  ye  of  little  faith?  Chap.  xiv.  31.  And  Je- 
fus faid  umo  Peter,  O  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore 
did  ft  thou  doubt? 

(r)  Job  xxix.  1.  2.  3.  Moreover,  Job  continued 
Ills  parable,  and  faid,  Oh  that  I  were  as  -in  months 
waft,  as  intne  dayc  when  God(preferved  me  :  v:hen  his 
candle  mined  upon  my  head,  and  when  by  his  light  2 
Walked  through  darknefs.  Ptaf.  cxii.  4.' Unto  the  ud- 
right  there  arifeth  light  in  the  darknefs, 


248  Gos  pel     Sonnets. 

I'm  certain  oft,  when  in  fufpenfe, 

While  fure  by  faith,  and  not  by  fight  (s). 

SECT.    XVI. . 

The  myfiery   of ' fuith  and  works,  anet  rewards  of  grm 
and  debt, 

I.  Of  Faith  and  Works,. 

HE  that  in  word  ofrendeth  not. 
Is  calPd  a  perfect  man  I  wot  (a) ; 
Yet  he  whofe  thoughts  and  deeds  are  bad,  - 
The  law-perfedicn  never  had  .(£)... 


{s)  1  Pet.  i.  8.  Whom  having  not  feen,  ye  love; 
in  whom  though  now  you.  fee  him  not,  yet  believing, 
ye  rejoice  with  joy  unfpeakable,  and  full  of  glory. 
Rom,  iv. .  18.  19.  20.  .71;  Abraham  againft  hope 
believed  in  hope*  that  he  might  become  the  father  of 
many  nations :  according  to  that  which  was  fpoken, . 
So  mall  thy  feed  be.  And  being  not  weak  in  faith,  he 
confidered  not  his  own  body  now  dead,  when  he  was 
about  an  hundred  years  old,  neither  yet  the  deadnefs 
of  Sara's  womb.  He  daggered  not  at  the  promife  of 
God  through  unbelief;,  but  was  ftrong  in  faith,  giving 
glory  to  God :  and  being  fully  perfuaded,  that  what  he 
had  promifed,  he  was  able  alfo  to  perform.  Pfalm, 
lxxxix.  36.  37.  38.  39.  His  feed  mall  endure  for  e- 
ver,  and  his  thr«ne  as  the  fun  before  me.  It  fhall  be 
eftablilhed  for  ever  as  the  moon,  and  as  a  faithful  wit- 
Refs  in  heaven.  Selah.  But  thou  haft  call  off  and  ab  • 
horred,  thou  haft  been,  wroth  with  thine  anointed. 
Thou  haft  made  void  the  covenant  of  thy  fervant:  thou 
haft  profaned  his  crown,  by  calling  it  to  the  ground. 

{a)  Jam.  iii.  2.  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the 
fame  is  a  perfect  man,  and  able  alfo  to  bridle  the  whole 
body. 

{h)    Jam-.    SL.io.  Forwhofoever   fhall   keep -the 
whole  liw,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of. 
all. 


Fart  III,  The  Believer's  Ridtii*  24.9, 

I  am  defign'd  a  perfect  foul, 

Ev'n  though  I  never  kept  the  whole,. 

Nor  any  precept  (c) ;  for  'tis  known, 

He  breaks  them  all  that  breaks  but  one  {J'u 

By  faith  I  d/> perfection  claim .(f), 
By  works  I  never  grafp  the  name  (/)  : 
Yet  without  works  my  faith  is  nought  f^), 
And  thereby  no  perfection  brought. 

Works  without  faith  will  never  fyeed  (£),  Faith 


(c)  Rom.  iv.  5.  6.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but 
believeth  on  him  that  juftifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith 
is  counted  for  righteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alfo  def- 
cribeth  the  bleiTednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  God  im- 
puteth  righteoufnefs  without  works.  Job  i.  1.  There 
was  a  man  in  the  land  of  Uz,  whofe  name  was  Job,  and 
that  man  was  perfect  and  upright,  and  one  that  feared 
God,  and  emewedeviL  Pfal.  Ixxi.  16.  I  will  go  in 
the  ilrength  of  the  Lord  God  :  I  will  make  mention  of 
thy  righteoufnefs,  even  of  thine  only.  Eccl.  vii.  20. 
For  there  is  not  a.juft  man  upon  earth,  that  doth  good2 
and  fmneth  not. 

(d)  Jam.  ii.    10.   See  letter  (b). 

(e)  Philip,  iii.  9.  I  count  all  things  but  dung  that 
t  may  win  Chrift,  and  be  found  in.  him,  not  having 
mine' own.  righteoufnefs,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that 
which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrili?  the  righteoufnefs 
which  is  of  God  by  faith. 

(/")  Gal.  ii..  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  juftified'' 
dv  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jefus 
Chrirl:  Even  we  have  believed  in  Jefus  Chfift;  that 
we  might  be  juftified  by  the  faith  of  Chrift,  and  not  by 
the  works  of  the  law  :  for  by  the  works  of  the  law  (hall 
no  fteih  be  justified. 

(<£)  Jam-  ii-  H-  What  doth  it  profit,  my  brethren, 
though  a  man  fay  he  hath  faith,,  and  have  not  works? 
can  faith  fave  him  ? 

{h)  Heb.  xi.  6.  Without  faith  it  is  impoffible  to 
pleaieGod:  for  he  that  conulluo  God,  nauft  believe 

..:  a| 


*53  GosrsL     Sonkkts.. 

Faith  without  works  is  wholly  dead  (/):. 

Yet  I  am  juftify'd  by  faith, 

Which  no  law-works  adjutant  hath  {k).. 

$ea,  gofpel-works  no  help  can  lend  (/)„ 


Though 


that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  re  warder  of  them  that  dili- 
gently feek  him.  R.om.  xiv.  25.  Whatfoever  is  not  of 
faith,  is  fin. 

(i)  Jam.  ii.  17.  Even  fo  faith,  if  it  hath  not 
works,  is  dead  being  alone.  <v.  26.  For  as  the  body 
without  the  fpirit  is  dead,  {o  faith  without  works  is 
dead  alfo, 

(A)  Rom.  iii.  21.  22.  But  now  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  without  the  law  is  manifefted,  being  witneffed  by 
the  law  and  the  prophets ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of 
God  which  is  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chrift  unto  all,  and  up- 
on all  them  that  believe :  for  there  is  no  difference. 
Chap.  iv.  4.  5,  6.  Now  to  him  that  worketh,  is  the 
reward  not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.  But  to  him 
that  worketh  not,  but  believeth  on  him  that  jullineth 
the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  counted  for  righteoufnefs.  E- 
ven  as  David  alfo  defcribeth  the  bleffednefs  of  the  man 
unto  whom  God  imputeth  righteoufnefs  without  works. 

(/)  Philip,  iii.  4.  6.  7.  8.  9.  If  any  other  man 
thinketh  that  he  hath  whereof  he  might  trull  in  the 
jflefh,  I  more : —touching  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  in 
the  law,  blamelefs.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me, 
thofe  I  counted  lofs  for  Chrilt.  Yea  doubtlefs,  and  I 
count  all  things  but  k>fs,  for  the  excellency  of  th< 
knowledge  of  Chrift  Jefus  my  Lord :  for  whom  I  hav( 
fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do  count  them  bui 
dung  that  I  may  win  Chrift,  and  be  found  in  him,  not 
having  mine  own  righteoufnefs,  w-hich  is  of  the  law, 
but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  righ- 
teoufnefs which  is  of  God  by  faith.  If.  Ixiv.  6.  But 
we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our  righteoufnef- 
fes  areas  filthy  rags.  Hef.  xiii.  9.  O  Ifrael,  thou  haf 
destroyed  thyfelf,  but  in  me  is  thine  help.  //•  xlv.  24. 

25< 


Part  TIL  '  T be  Believer's    Riddle ,  253 

Though  fill!  they  do  my  faith  attend  (m) : 
Yet  faith  by  works  is  per -feci  made, 
And  by  their  prefence  juitify'd  (*&). 


Bat  works  with  faith  could  never  vie, 
And  only  fkith.  can  juiiify  (<?) : 


Yet 


4$.  Surely,  fhall  one  fay,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteouf- 
nefs  and  itrength :  even  to  him  fhall  men  come,  and  all 
that  are  incenfed  againft  him  fhall  be  afhamed.  In  the 
Lord  fhall  all  the  feed  of  Ifrael  be  jufiified,  and  fhall 
glory. 

(m)  Tit.  iii.  8.  This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  thefe 
dungs  I  will  that  thou  affirm  conftantiy,  that  they 
which  have  believed  in  God,  might  be  careful  to 
maintain  good  works :  thefe  things  are  good  and  pro- 
fitable unto  men.  Jam.  ii.  18.  Yea,  a  man  may  fay, 
Thou  haft  faith,  and  I  have  works:  fhew  me  thy  faith 
without  thy  works,  and  I  will  fhew  thee  my  faith  by 
my  works. 

[n)  Jam.  ii.  11.  22.  Was  not  Abraham  our  father 
juftified  by  works,  when  he  had  offered  Xfaac  his  fon 
upon  the  altar?  Seelt  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his 
works,  and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect?  <v.  24, 
Ye  fee  then  how  that  by  works  a  man  is  jufrified,  and 
not  by  faith  only. 

(0)  Rom.  iv.  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it 
might  be  by  grace ;  to  the  end  the  promiie  might  be 
fure  to  all  the  feed.  Tit.  iii.  4.  5.6.  7.  But  after 
that  the  kindnefs  and  lqve  of  God  our  Saviour  toward 
man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  Vighteculnefs,  which 
we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he  favecfSw 
by  the  warning  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghoft:  which  he  fned  on  us  abundantly,  through 
Jefus  Chrift  our  Saviour;  that  being  juftitied  by  his 
grace,  we  fhould  be  .;ade  heirs  according  to  the'  hope 
of  eternal  life  AJIs  x.  43.  To  him  give  ail  the  pro- 
phets witnefs,  that  through  his  name,  whofoever 
believeth  in  him,  fhali  receive  remiiiion  offins. 


252  Gospel     Sonkets, 

Yet  Hill  my  juftifying  faith 
No  juilifying  value  hath  {/>), 

Lo,  juftifying  grace  from  heav'n 
Is  foreign  ware,  and  freely  giv'n  (7) : 
And  faving  faith  is  well  content 
To  be  a  mer<?  recipient  (r). 

Faith's  acli<ve  in  my  fanftity  {/) ; 

But 

(/>)  Gal.  iii.  21.  22.  Is  the  law  then  againft  the 
promifes  of  God  ?  God  forbid  :  for  if  there  had  been  a 
law  given  which  could  ha\'e  given  life,  verily  righte- 
oufnefs  fhould  have  been  by  the  law.  But  the  fcripture 
hath  concluded  all  under  fin,  that  the  promife  by  faith 
of  Jefus  Chrift  might  be  given  to  them  -hat  believe. 
Luke  xjoL  31.  32  And  the  Lord  fiid,  Simon,  Simon, 
beheld,  Satan  hath  defired  to  have  you,  that  he  may 
fift  you  as  wheat :  but  I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy 
faith  fail  not;  and  when  thou  art  converted,  ftrengthen 
thy  brethren.  2  Cor.  iii.  5.  Not  that  we  are  fufikient 
cf  ourfelves  to  think  any  thing  as  of  ourfelves  :  but  our 
furhciency  is  of  God.  Chap.  xii.  5.  Offuch  an  one 
will  I  glory :  yet  of  my feif  I  will  not  glory,  but  in 
mine  infirmities. 

{q)  Rom.  v.  16.  17.— The  free  gift  is  of  many  of- 
fences unto  juftification. — They  which  receive  abun- 
dance of  grace,  and  of  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs,  mall 
reign  in  life  by  one,  Jefus  Chrift.  Chap.  iii.  24..  Being 
juitified  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Jefus  Chrift. 

\r)  Rom.  v.  ii.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  alfo  joy 
in  God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  we 
hare  now   received  the  atonement.  i>.   17.  See  letter 

(/)  Gal  v.  6.  For  in  Jefus  Chnft,  neither  circum- 
cifion  availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncircumcifion,  butfaitl 
which  worketh  by  love.  Jfis  xv.  9.  God  put  no  dif- 
ference between  us  and  them,  purifying  their  hearts  bj 

faitl 


Pari    III.  The  Believer's    Riddle.  253 

But  here  its  a&  it  will  deny  (j.), 
And  frankly  own  it  never  went 
Beyond  a  fajfive  inurnment  (/). 

I  labour  much  like  holy  Paul; 

And  yet  not  I,  but  grace  does  all  (z/)  : 

Y  I 


faith.  Chap.  xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to 
turn  them  from  darknefs  to  light,  and  from  the  power 
of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  may  receive  forgivenefs 
of  fins,  andfinheritance  among  them  which  are  fanelifi-- 

•  od  by  faith  that  is  in  me. 

(/)  Rom.  iv.  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it 
might  be  by  grace.  Chap.  xi.  6.  And  if  by   grace, 

•then  is  it  no  more  of  works :  ethenvife  grace  is  no 
more  grace, 

(t)  Eph.  ii.   8.-  g.  For  by  grace  are  ye    faved,  thro* 

-faith ;  and  that  uot  of  yourfelves  :  it  is  the  gift  of  God: 
not  of  works,  left  any  man  mould  boaft.  1  Cor.  iv.  y. 
■For  who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from  another  ?  and  what 
•haft  thou  that  thou  didfl  not  receive  ?  now  if  thou  didil 
receive  it,  why  doft  thou  glory  as  if  thou  hadft  not  re- 
ceived it?  Heb.  xi.  11.  Through  faith  alfo  Sara  her- 
felf  received  ftrength  to  conceive  {eedf  and  was  deliver- 
ed of  a  child  when  me  was  paft  age,  becaufe  me  judged 
him  faithful  who  had  promifed.  */.  17.  By  faith  Abra- 
ham, when  he  was  tried,  offered  nplfaac  :  and  he  that 
had  received  the  promifes,  offered  up  his  only  begotten 
Ton:  <v.  19.  Accounting  that  God  was  able  to  raife 
him  up,  even  from  the  dead :  from  whence  alfo  he  re- 
ceived him  in  a  ngure.  1/.   35.  Women  received  their 

•dead  raifed  to  life  again  :  and  others  were  tortured,  not 
accepting  deliverance;  that  they  might  obtain  a  better 
Tefurrection. 

(u)  1  Ccr.  xv.  10.  But  by  the  grace  cf  God  I  am 
'What  I  am  :  and  his  grace  which  was  bellowed  upon 
me,  was  not  in  vain  ;  but  J  laboured  more  abundantly 
than  they  all:  yet  not  I,  but  the  grace  cf  God  which 
-was  with  me. 


249>  G  0  S   P   L  L       So  N*N  E   T 

I  try  to  fpread  ray  little  fails, 

And  wait  forpew'rful  moving  gales  0vj, 

When  powVs  convey'd,  I  work;  but  fee, 
'Tis  ilill  hispow'r  that  works  in  me. 
I  am  an  agent  at  his  call, 
Yet  nothing  am,  for  grace  is  all  (w). 


I 


II.   Of  rewards  of  grace  and  debt, 

N  all  my  works  I  ftill  regard 
The  recompence  of  fiul  reward  (x) ; 


Yet 


(<z/)  P/al.  Ixxi.  1 6.  I  will  go  in -the  ftrength  of  the 
Lord  God  :  I  will  make  mention  of  thy  righteouf.-efs, 
even  cf  thine  only.  Song  iv.  16.  Awake,  O  north 
wind,  and  come,  thou  fouth,  blow  upon  my  garden, 
that  the  fpices  thereof  may  flow  out. 

(xv)  Philip,  ii.  12.  13.  Wherefore,  my  beloved, 
as  ye  have  always  obeyed,  not  as  in  my  prefence  only, 
but  now  much  more  in  my  abfence ;  work  cut  your 
own  falvation  with  fear  and  tremlli:.g.  For  it  is  God 
which  worketh  in  you,  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his 
good  p'rafure.  Gal.  ii.  20.  lam  crucined  with  Chriit: 
Neverthe-lefs  I  live  ;  yet  not  I,  but  Chriit  livethin  me: 
and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the  fleih,  I  live  by  the 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  me,  and  gave  him- 
fclf  f  r  me.  2  Cor.  xii.  9  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  me* 
IViy  grace  is  iumcient  for  thee :  tor  my  ftrength  is  made 
perfifi  i.  weaknefs.  MoH  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather 
glo  y  in  m/  infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Chriit.  may 
refl  upon  me. 

(x,  Heb.  xi.  24.  2^  26.  By  faith  Moles,  when  he 
W33  come  to  years,  refu'.ed  to  be  called  thefon  of  Pha- 
rach's  daughter ;  cbufing  .rather  to  fuffer  aftiittibn  with 
the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  p!eafu;es  of  fin 
for  a  feaion  ;  »i]f:cmw\g  the  reproach  of  Chriit  greater 
riches  than  the  t;-eafures  in  Egypt :  for  he  had  refpeft 
unto  the  recompence  of  the  reward. 


i/^C    JJCUCUC7     i      jlV.fUC4lCi 


Yet  fuch  my  working  is  withal, 
I  look  for  no  reward  at  all  (y). 

God's  my  reward  exceeding  great, 
No  leffer  heav'n  than  this  I  wait  (z) : 
Butwhere's  the  earning  work  fo  broad, 
To  fet  me  up  an  heir  of  God  (^)  f 

Rewards  of  debt*  rewards  of  grace*, 
Are  oppofites  in  ev'ry  cafe  (&) ; 
Yet  fure  I  am,  they'll  both  agree 
Moil  jointly  in  rewarding  me  (<:). 

Y  2  Though 

(y)  2  Tim,  i.  9.  God  hath  faved  us,  and  called  usv 
with  an  holy  calling,  not  according  to  pur  works,  but 
according  to  his  own  purpofe  and  grace  which  was  gi- 
ven us  in  Chriil  Jefus,  before  the  world  began.  Tit. 
iii.  5 .  Not  by  work*  of  righteoufnefs-,  which  we  have 
dene,  bat  according  to  his  mercy  he  faved  us  by  the 
I  warning  of  regeneration,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghoft. 

(z)  Gen.  xv,  1.  After  thefe  things  the  word  of  the 
Lord  came  unto  Abram  in  a  viiion,  faying,  Fear  not& 
.Abram  1  I  am  thy  fhield,  and  thy  exceeding  great  re- 
ward. Pfal.  Txxiii.  25.  26.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven 
but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  defire  be- 
sides thee.  My  flefh  and  my  heart  faileth :  but  God 
is  the  ftrength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever. 

{a)  Ezek.  xxxvi.  32.  Not  for  your  fakes  do  I  this, 
faith  the  Lord  God,  be  it  known  unto  you  :  be  afham- 
ed  and  confounded  for  your  own  ways.  O  houfe  of  If- 
rael.  Rom.  viii.  16.  17.  The  Spirit  itfelf  beareth  wit- 
ness with  ourfpirit,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God. 
And  if  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint- 
heirs  with  Chrift. 

(b)  Rom.  iv.  4.  Now  to  him  that  worketh,  is  the 
reward  not  reckoned  of  £race,  but  of  debt. 

(<•)  Pfal.  lviii,  1,1 .  Verily  there  is  a  reward  for  the 
righteous :  verily  he  is  a  God  that  judgeth  in  the  earth. 


! 


2^'J  It  O   S  P  £   L       3   0   N  N  E  1       . 

Though  hell's  my  juft  reward  for  fin  (^), 
Heav'n  as  my  juft.  reward  I'll  win  (*). 
But  thefe  my  juft  rewards  I  know, 
Yet  truly  neither  of  them  fo  *. 

Hell  can't  in  juftice  be  my  lot;  . 

Since  juflice  fatisfaftion  got  (/J ;  Nor 

If.  lxii.  ii.  Behold,  the  Lord  hath  proclaimed  unto 
the  end  of  the  world,  Say  ye  to  the  daughter  of  Zion, 
Behold,  thy  falvation  cometh ;  behold,  his  reward  is 
v/ith  him,  and  his  work  before  him.  Chap.  xl.  10. 
Behold,  the  Lord  God  will  come  with  ftrong  hand,, 
and  his  arm  (hall  rule  for  him  :  behold,. his  reward  is 
with  him,  and  his  work  before  him, 

(*/)  Rom.  vi.  21.  What  fruit  had  ye  then  in  thofe 
things,  whereof  ye  are  now  afhamed?  for  the  end  of 
thofe  things  is  death,  v.  23,  The  wages  of  fin  is 
death.  Eph.  v.  6.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  vain 
words:  for  becaufe  of  thefe  things  cometh  the  wrath  of 
God  upon  the  children  of  difobedience.  Gal.  iii.  ic. 
For  as  many  as  are  of  the  -works  of  the  law,  are  under 
the  curfe:  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that 
continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

(e)  Gal.  iii.   13.   14.  Chrift  hath  redeemed  us  from 
the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curfe  for  us :  for    it 
is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree: 
that  the  bleffing  of  Abraham  might  come  on  the  Gen- 
tiles  through  jefus  Chrift;  that  we  might  receive  the 
promife   of  the  Spirit  through    faith.  Eph.  i..  13.    74. 
Iri    Chrift  alfo  after  that  ye  believed,  ye   were  fealed 
with  that  holy  Spirit  of  promife,  which  is  the  earned  of 
our  inheritance,  until  the  redemption  of  the   purchafed 
poiTeiiion,  unto   the  praife  of  his  glory,  f*.  n.  v.   21. 
Grace    reigns  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal   life, 
by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Chap.  vi.   23.  The  gift   of 
God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
*  through  tlxfe  oppofite  voices  of  law  and  go f pel. 
(ft  Rom.  iii.  2-5.  26.  Whom  God  hath  let  forth  to 

be 


Part  III.  The  Believer's  Riddle.  257* 

Norheav'n  in  juftice  be  my  fhare, 
Since  mercy  only  brings  me  there  (g). 

Yet  heav'n  is  mine  by  folemn  path, 
In  juftice  and  in  mercy  both  {b): 

Y  3  And 


be  a  propitiation,  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  de- 
clare his  righteoufnefs  for  the  remiiTion  of  fins  that  are 
paft,  through  the  forbearance  of  God ,  to  declare,  I 
fay,  at  this  time  his  righteoufnefs :  that  he  might  be 
juft,  and  the  juflifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jefus. 

(g)  Rom.  ix."  15; -i  6* -God  faith  to  Mofes,  I  will 
have  mercy  on  whom  I  will  have  mercy,  and  I  will 
have  companion  on  whom  I  will  have  companion.  So 
then  it  is  not  of  him  that  willeth,  nor  of  him  that  run- 
neth, but  of  God  that  fheweth  mercy.  Tit,  iii.  4.  5. 
6.  7.  But  after  that  the  kindnefs  and  love  of  God  our 
Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  righ- 
teoufnefs, which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his 
mercy  he  faved  us  by  the  warning  of  regeneration,  and 
renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghofl:  which  he  fhed  on  us  a- 
bundantly,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Saviour;  that 
being  j  unified  by  his  grace,  we  mould  be  made  heirs 
according  to  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 

(h)  \PJah  Ixxxlxv  35.  36.  Once  have  I  fworn  by  my 
holinefs,  that  I  will  not  lye  unto  David.  His  feed  ihall 
endure  for  ever,  and  his  throne  as  the  fun  before  me. 
Heb.  vi.  17.  18.  Wherein  God  willing  more  abun- 
dantly to  (hew  unto  the  heirs  cf  promife  the  immutabi- 
lity of  his  counfel,  confirmed  it  by  an  oath:  that  by 
two  immutable  things,  in  which  it  was  impofnble  for 
God  to  lye,  we  might  have  a  ftrong  confolation,  who 
have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  fet  be- 
fore us.  Pfal.  lxxxix.  14.  Juftice  and  judgment  are 
the  habitation  of  thy  throne:  mercy  and  truth  mall  go 
before  thy  face.  <v.  16.  In  thy  name  ihall  they-  rejoice 
all  the  day :  and  in  thy  righteoufnefs  fhali  they  be  ex- 
alted. <v.  24.  But  my  faithfulnefs  and  my  mercy  mall 
be  with  him  [David  my  fervant] :  and  in  my  name 

ftal) 


*$$  G  O  3  F!  L        $0   N  N  E  T  ft  . 

And  God  in  Chrijf  is  all  my  truft, 
Becaufe  he's  merciful  and  juft  (/). 

CONCLUSION. 

HEPvE  is  the  riddle,  where's  the  man 
Of  judgment  to  expound? 
For  mafter*  fam'd  that  cannot  fcan, 
In  ljr*el  may  be  found  («}. 

We  juftly  thofe  in  wifdom's  lift 

EftabHih'd  faints  may  call, 
Whole  bicter-fweet  experience  bleft 

Can  clearly  grafp  it  all  (b). 


Some 


ihall  his  horn  be  exalted,  v.  28.  My  mercy  will  I 
keep  for  him  for  evermore,  and  my  covenant  fnali 
Hand  fail  with  him. 

(/;  Heb.  ii.  17.  Wherefore  in  all  things  it  behoved 
him  to  be  made  like  unto  his  brethren  ;  that  he  might 
be  a  merciful  and  faithful  high  prieft,  in  things  per- 
taining to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  lins  of 
the  people.  1  John  i.  7.  8.  9.  If  we  walk  in  the 
light,  as  God  is  in  the  light,  we  have  fellowihip  one 
with  another,  and  the  blood  cf  Jefus  Chrift  his  Son 
cleanfeth  us  from  all  fin.  If  we  fay  that  we  have  no  fin, 
we  deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us.  If  we 
confefs  our  fins,  he  is  faithful,  and juft  to  forgive  us 
our  fms,  and  to  cleanfe  us  from  all  unrighteoufnefs. 

(a)  John  iii.  10.  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  unto  Ni- 
codemus,  Art  thou  a  mailer  of  Ifrael,  and  knoweft  not 
thefe  tilings  ? 

(b)  Matth.  xi.  25.  At  that  time  Jefus  anfwered  and 
faid,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  becaufe  thou  haft  hid  thefe  things  from  the  wife 
and  prudent,  and  haft  revealed  them  unto  babes. 
Chap.  xiii.  11.  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  unto  his  dif- 
ciples,  Becaufe  it  is  given  unto  you  to  know  the  myf~ 
teries  of  she  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to  them-  it  is  not 
given. 


Fart  HI.  The  Believer's   Riddle*.  259 

Some  Babes  in  grace  may  mint  and  mar? 

Yet  aiming  right  fucceed  (<r)  1 
But  Jir  angers  they  in  Jfr'el  are, 

Who  not  at  all  can  read  (d). 


(c)  1  Cor.  iii.  1.  2.  And  I,  brethren,  could  not. 
fpeak  unto  you  as  unto  fpiritual,  bat  as  unto  carnal, 
even  as  unto  babes  in  Ghrift.  I  have  fed  you  with  milk, 
and  not  with  meat:  for  hitherto  ye  were  not  able  to 
bear  it,  neither  yet  now  are  ye  able.  Heb.  v.  32.  13. 
14.  For  when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teachers,  ye 
have  need  that  one  teach  you  again  which  be  the  hrk 
principles  of  the  oracles  of  God;  and  are  become  fucii 
as  have  need  of  milk,  and  not  of  iirong  meat.  For  e- 
very  one  that  ufeth  milk,,  is  un&ilful  in  the  word  of 
righteoufnefs :  for  he  is  a  babe.  But  ftrong  meat  be- 
longeth  to  them  that  are  of  full  age,  even  thofe  who, 
by  reafonofufe,  have  their  fenfes  exercifed  to  difcenr* 
both  good  and  evil.  Chap.  vi.-.i.  Therefore  leaving 
the  principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Chrift,  let  us  go  on 
unto  perfection ;  not  laying  again  the  foundation  of  re- 
pentance from  dead  works,  and  of  faith  towards  GodP 
fcffc.  1  Jobnu.  12.  13,  I  write  unto  you,  little  chil- 
dren, becaufe  your  iins  are  forgiven  you  for  his  name's 
fake. — I  write  unto  you,  little  children,  becaufe  ye 
have  known  the  Father* 

(d)  2  Cor.  iv.  3.  4.  But  if  our  gofpel  be  hid,  it  is 
hid  to  them'  that  are  loft:  in  whom  the  god  of  this  . 
world  hath  blinded  the  minds  of  them    which  believe  . 
not,  left  the  light  of  the  glorious  gofpel  of  Chrift,  who 
U_  the  image  of  God,  mould  mine  unto  them, , 


GOSPEL 


GOSPEL  SONNETS; 

O    R, 

SPIRIT  U  A  L  SONGS. 

PART    IV. 

Sie   Believe  rV  Lodging  and  Inn 

while  en  Earth. 

O    R 
,/f.Poem  and  Paraphrafe  upon  Pfal.  lxxxiv. 


Verf.   I .  Hstv  Amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O   Lord  of 
hojls! 

JEHOVAH,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft, 
Sole  Monarch  of  the  univerfal  hoft, 
Whom  the  attendant  armies  ftill  revere, 
Which  in  bright  robes  furround  the  higher  fphere ; 
Whofe  fov'reign  empire  fways  the  hellifh  band 
Of  ranked  legions  in  th'  infernal  land; 
Who  hold'ft  the  earth  at  thy  unrival'd  beck, 
And  (tay'ii  proud  forces  with  a  humbling  check ; 
Ev*n  thou  whofe  name  commands  an  awful  dread, 
Yet  deigns  to  dwell  with  man  in  very  deed : 
O  what  refremment  fills  the  dwelling-place 
Of  thine  exuberrent  unbounded  grace ! 
Which  withfweet  pow'r  does  joy  and  praife  extort, 
In  Z*Ws  tents/  thine  ever-lov'd  refort ; 

Wfcere 


jfart;  IV*  The  Believer's •Lodging*  zii 


Where  glad'ning  ftreanis  of  mercy  from  above 
Make  fouls  brim-full  of  warm  feraphic  love. 
Oi  fweeteft  odours  all  thy  garment  fmells  ; 
Thy  difmal  abfence  proves  a  thoufand  hells 
But  heav'ns  of  joy  are  where  thine  honour  dv, 


iwelis. ) 


Verf,  2.  My  foul  longeth,  yea,  even  faint  eth  fcr  the- 
courts  of  ike  Lord:  my  heart  and  my  fiefb  crieih  out  for 
the  living;  God. 


& 


Therefore  on  thee  I  center  my  defire, 
Which  veh'mently  burits  out  in  ardent  fire. 
Deprived,  ah  !  I  languiih  in  my  plaint, 
My  bones  are  feeble,  and  my  fpirit&  faint, 
My  longing  foul  pants  to  behold  again  . 
Thy  temple  filFd.  with  thy  majeftic  train; 
Thofe  palaces  with  heav'nly  odour  ftrew'd, 
And  regal  courts,  where  Zions  King  is  view'd : 
To  fee  the  beauty  of  the  high  eft  One, 
Upon  his  holy  mounf,  his  lofty  throne  : 
Whence  virtue  running  from  the  living  Kead 
Reftores  the  dying,  and  revives  the  dead. 
For  him  my  heart  with  cries  repeated  found?, . 
To  which  my  flefh  with  echoes  loud  rebounds j 
For  him,  for  him,  who  life  in  death  can  give,  } 
For  him,  for  him,  whofe  fole  prerogative         > 
Is  from  and  to  eternity,  to  live,  J 

VeH.  3.  Tea,  the  fparrovj  hath  found  an  houfe,  and  the 9 
fwati&w  a  neffor  herfelf  vjhere  Jhe  may  lay  her  young 
even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hofs,  my  Kingr  and  my 
God. 

Alas !  how  from  thy  lovdy  dwellings  I, 
Long  baniih'd,  do  the  happy  birds  envy ; 
Which,  chufing  thy  high  altars  for  their  nefc, 
On  rafters  of  thy  tabernacle  reft  ! 
Here  dwells  the  fparro-zv  of  a  chirping  tongue, 
And  here  thefwattwv  lays  her  tender  young: 

Faint 


20*  ^tt'OI  P  E   L    ■   S-0   rf  W    K  'I 

Faint  faorilege !  they  feize  the  facred  fpot. 

And  feem  to  glory  o'er  my  abfent  lot. 

Yet  fure  I  havEfcmore  fpecial  right  to  thee 

Than  all  the  brutal  hofts  of" earth  and  fea: 

That  Sov'reign,  at  whofe  government  they  bow, 

Is  wholly  mine  by  his  eternal  vow ; 

My  King  to  rule  my  heart,  and  quell  my  foes,  1 

My  God  t'  extradt  my  well  from  prefent  woes,    C  \ 

And  crown  with  endlefs  glory  at  the  cloie.  J 

Verf.  4.   BUJfed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  houfe'.  they 
'will  be  fill  praijing  thee. 

O  happy  they  that  haunt  thy  houfe  below, 
And  to  thy  royal  fan&uary  flow; 
Not  for  itfelf,  but  for  the  glorious  One, 
Who  there  inhabits  his  ere&ed  throne ! 
Others  pafs  by,  but  here  their  dwelling  is; 
O  happy  people  crown'd  with  bays  of  blifs! 
Elefs'd  with  the  fplendid  luftre  of  his  face, 
Bfefs'd  with  the  high  melodious  found  of  grace, 
That  wakens  fouls  into  a  fweet  amaze, 
And  turns  their fpirits  to  a  harp  of  praife; 
Which  loudly  makes  the  lower  temple  ring 
With  HallehjahsXQ  the  mighty  King  : 
And  thus  they  antedate  the  nobler  fong 
Of  that  celeftial  and  triumphant  throng. 
Who  warble  notes  of  praife  eternity  along. 

1 
Verf.   5 .   Blejfed  is  the  man  whoMftrength  is  in  thee ;- 


'ng-  ) 


What  weights  of  blifs  their  happy  moulders  load, 
Whofe  ftrength  lies  treafur'd  in  a  potent  God? 
Self-drained  foals,  yet  flowing  to  the  brim, 
Becaufe  void  in  themfelves,  but  full  in  him. 
Adam  the  fifft  difcufs'd  their  flock  of  ftrength, 
The  Second  well  retriev'd  the  fum^t  length ; 
Who  keeps't  himfelf,  a  furerhand  indeed, 
To  give  not  as  they  lift,  but  as  they  need. 

When 


Th&AjieJeSs  I  ottgixg.  $6  3 

When  rfcging  furies  threaten  fudden  harms, 

-He  then  extends  his  everlafting  arms ; 
^When  Satan  drives  his  pointed  fiery  darts, 
■/He  gives  them  courage  and  undaunted  hearts 
'-To  quell  his  deadly  force  with  divine  fkill, 
:  And  adds  new  itrength  to  do  their  Sov'reign'swill 
fWhen  fore  hjrrafs'd  by  fome  outrageous  luit, 

He  levetliag  its  pow-'i;  unto  the  dull, 
"Makes  faints  to  own  him  worthy  of  their  trulfc 


I 


"Verf.  6.  In  njutrfrjfe  hearts  are  the  nvays  ef  tfiem.  Wh& 
pajpng  through  the  'valley  of  Baca,  make  it  a  njuell ;  the' 
rain  alfo  filleth  the  pools. 

Such  heavfpborn  fouls  are  not  to  earth  confin'd, 
Truth's  hi^p^ay  nils  their  elevated  mind : 
They,  boop 'for  Zion,  prefs  with  forward  aim, 

j  As  Ifr'el'gBtikles  to  old  Jerufalem. 

;  Their  hjfpath  lies  through  a  parched  land, 

I  Through oppofit ions  numerous  and  grand. 

!  Travelling  fcorched  deferts,  ragged  rocks, 
And  Baca's  wither'd  vaie,  like  thirfty  rlocks  5 

\  Yet  with  unlhaken  vigour  homeward  go, 
Not  mov'd  by  all  oppofmg  harm?  below. 
They  digging  wells  on  this  Gilha-top, 
The  vale  of  Achor  yields  a  door  of  hope  : 
For  Heav'n  in  plenty  does  their  labour  crown, 
By  making  filver  fhow'rs  to  trickle  down ; 
Till  empty  pools  imbibe  a  pleafant  fill,       1 
And  weary  fouls  are  hart'ned  up  the  hill,    C 
By  mafly  drops  of  joy  which  down  diftill.   3 

Verf.  7.   They  go  from  Jlrength  tofirengih,  every  one  tf 
them  in  Zion  appearctb  before  God. 

Thus  they,  refrefhed  by  fuperibr  aid, 
Are  not  deratigated  nor  dumay'd  ; 
Becaufe  they  are,  O  truth  of  awful  dread; 
<b  potent  as  Jehovah  in  their  Head. 

He  note 


£$4  G  o  s  f  e 

I  fence  they  ftiall  travel  with  triumphant  minds, 
«ln  fpite  of  ragged  paths  and  boift'rous  winds. 
.The  roughen  ways  their  vigour  ne'er  abates, 
J  ach  new  aftault  iheir  ftrenpth  redintegrates. 
When  they  through  mortal  blows  Teem  to  give  o'er, 
Their  ftrength  by  intermitting  gathers  more. 
And  thus  they,  with  unweary'd  zeal  endu'd, 
Still  ar  they  journey  have  their  ftrength  renew'do 
So  glorious  is  the  race,  that  once  begun, 
Each  one  contends  his  fellow  to  outrun; 
Till  all  uniting  in  a  glorious  band,  ""} 

Before  the  Lamb's  high  throne  adoring  ftand,  y 
•And  harp  his  lofty  praife  in  Zion -land.  _> 

Yerf.   8.   O  Lord 'God of 'bo/Is,  hear  my prayer.  :  give  ear, 
O  God  of  Jacob. 

Great  God  of  nunrrous  hofts,  who  reigns  a, one 
The  fole  pofTeflbr  of  th'  imperial  throne ; 
Gince  mental  taftes  of  thy  delicious  grace 
Go  fweetly  relifh  in  thy  holy  place, 
This  is  the  fubjedt  of  my  tabled  pray'r, 
To  have  the  vifion  of  thy  glory  there. 
O  let  my  cry  pierce  the  ethereal  frame, 
And  mercy's  echo  follow  down  the  fame. 
Omnifcient  Being,  favour  my  defire, 
Hide  not  thy  goodnefs  in  paternal  ire: 
Why,  thou  haft  giv'n  in  an  eternal  band 
To  Jacob  and  his  feed  thy  royal  h: 
And  promis'd,  by  thy  facred  deity, 
His  King  and  covenanted  God  to  be; 
Therefore  my  hopes  are  center'd  all  in  thee. 


\ 


Verf.  9.   Behold \   0  Cod,  our  Jbield,  and  look  upon  ire 
face  cf  thine  anointed. 

Omnipotent,  whofe  armour  none  can  wield, 
Z/Ws  great  buckler  and  defenfive  fliield  ; 
Thy  pure  untainted  eyes  cannot  behold 
Deformed  mortals  in  their  fisful  mold, 

Unlef 


Paut  IV.  The  Believer's  Lodging.  265 

Unlefs  tlieir  names  be  graved  on  the  breaft 
OfZionh  holy  confecrated  PrieftV 
When  they  his  white  and  glorious  garment  wear, 
Then  fin  and  guilt  both  wholly  disappear ; 
Becaufe  overwhelmed  in  the  crimfon  flood, 
And  ocean  of  a  dying  Surety's  blood: 
They  alfo-,  veiled  with  his  radiant  grate, 
Reflect  the  luftre  of  his  holy  face. 
They're  not  themfelves  now,  but  divinely  trim  ; 
For  wholly  what  they  are,  they  are  in  him: 
And  hence  Jehovah's  all-difcerning  eye  1 

Cannot  in  them  efpy  deformity.  ^ 

Then  look  on  him,  Lord,  and  in  him  on  me.    J 

Verf.  10.  For  -a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thou- 
/and:  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  houfe  of  mjf 
God,   than  to  dive!/  in  the  tents  of  •ivickednejs. 

May  I  poffefs,  as  thy  domeftic  child, 
The  houfe  that  by  Jehovah's  name  is  flyl'd : 
For  royal  glories  deck  thofe  courts  of  thine, 
Which  with  majefcic  rays  fo  brightly  fhine, 
That  mould  my  mind  prefent  an  earth  of  gold, 
As  full  of  worldly  joys  as  earth  can  hold; 
Sweet  grace  fo  fills  thy  houfe,  I'd  grudge  to  fpare 
One  moment  here,  for  thoufand  ages  there. 
No  earthly  object  mail  my  love  confine, 
That  Being  which  poflefTes  all,  is  mine. 
lAy  fpirit  therefore  rather  would  embrace 
The  meaneft  office  in  his  koly  place, 
And  by  the  threfnold  of  his  houfe  within, 
Than  fit  in  fplendor  on  a  throne  of  fin. 
In  Jefus*  courts  I'd  chufe  the  loweft  place, 
At  his  faints  feet,  fo  I  might  fee  his  face. 
Yea,  though  my  lamp  of  outward  peace  mould  burn!} 
Molt  brightly,  yet  I  would  inceffant  mourn,  y 

While  in  a  wicked  Mefech  I  fojourn.  J 

Verf.  1 1 .  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  fun  andfAeld:  the  Lord 
ivil!  give  grace  and  glory  :  no  good  thing  v: ill  he  nvith- 
•■■■  Id  from  4  hem  that  walk  uprightly. 


166  Gospel     Sonnets. 

For  God  the  Lord,  whofe  courts  I  love  to  haunt, 
Is  ev'ry  thing  that  empty  fouls  can  want; 
A  fun  for  light,  a  fhield  for  ftrength  ;  yea  more, 
On  earth  he  gives  his  grace,  in  heav'n  his  glore. 
This  radiant  fun,  of  life  and  light  thefource, 
Scatters  the  fhades  by's  circumambient  courfe; 
Yea,  guides  bemifted  fouls  with  heartfom  beams, 
And  glorioufly  irradiating  gleams. 
This  marly  fhield  is  polifh'd  bright  with  pow'r, 
For  helping  weaklings  in  a  per'lous  hour. 
Here's  all  that  weary  travellers  would  have, 
A  fun  to  cherifhj  and  a  fhield  to  fave. 
Grace  alfo  here  is  given  t'adorn  the  foul, 
And  yield  to  glory  in  the  heav'nly  pole. 
All  divine  treafure  to  the  faint  is  due  ; 
Nothing's  deny'd,  if  truth  itfelf  be  true. 
The  treafure  is  fo  vaft  it  can't  be  told ; 
Nothing  that  God  can  give  will  God  with-hold. 
To  whom  he  doth  his  faving  grace  impart, 
To  them  he  gives  himfelf,  his  hand,  his  heart: 
Uprightnefs  too  of  heart  and  life  does  fall 
Unto  their  fhare,  who  having  him,  have  all. 
In  them  the  grace  he  gives,  he  ftill  regards ; 
Gives  holinefs,  and  then  his  gift  rewards. 
For  to  his  own  upright  and  divine  brood  "^ 

He's  bound  to  grant  ev'n  all  that's  great  and  good,   )► 
By's  own  fure  word,  firm  oath,  and  facred  blood.  J 


Verf.    12.   O  Lord  ofkofls,  blejfed  is  the  man  that  trufieth 
in  thee. 

O  then,  Jehovah,  God  of  armies  ftrong, 
To  whom  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  heav'n  belong ; 
How  vaftly  blefled  is  the  fixed  man, 
Who  by  a  iirm  fiducial  boldnefs  can, 
Through  grace  and  ftrength  difpenfed  from  above, 
So  fweetly  lean  the  height  of  divine  love, 
As  to  derive  his  comfort  wholly  thence. 
.And  on  this  rock  to  found  his  confidence  ? 

Whof 


Part  IV.  The  Believer's  Lodging.  267 

Whofe  faith  has  rear'd  up  for  a  firm  abode 

A  flable  building  on  a  living  God  ? 

Who,  fpoil'd  of  human  props  both  great  and  final!, 

Does  chufe  a  triune  Deity  for  all  ? 

What  fcrolls  of  blifs  are  in  this  all  inroll'd, 

Is  too  fublime  for  feraphs  to  unfold. 

Sift,  human  wifdom,  in  a  deep  amaze  I     '"J 

Let  rapid  floods  of  life  his  glory  raife,  ^ 

Till  time  be  drown'd  in  his  eternal  praife.  J 


Exercife  for  the  Believer  in  his  Lodg- 
ing, fourfold. 

1.    The  HOLT  LAW, 

O   R, 

The  Ten  Commandments,-  Bxod*  xx.  3.  £sV. 

1.  ^^T  O  God  but  me  thou  malt  adore. 

2.  i_  t|     No  image  frame  to  bow  before, 

3.  My  holy  name  take  not  in  vain. 

4.  My  facred  fabbath  don't  profane. 

5.  To  parents  render  due  refpeft. 

6.  All  murder  mun,  and  malice  check. 

7.  From  filth  and  whoredom  bafe  abftaine 

8.  From  theft  and  all  unlawful  gain. 

9.  Falfe  witnefs  flee,  and  fland'ring  fpite. 
10.  Nor  covet  what's  thy  neighbour's  right. 

2.  The   UN  HOLT  H E  A R  T the  direft  ■  opptftt  u 
God's  law,  Rom.  vii»   14. 

O    R, 

The  knowledge  of  iin  by  the  law,  Rom.  Hi,  20. 

1.  "]V  /f  Y  heart's  to  many  gods  a  (lave. 

2.  IV 1   Of  imagery  an,  hideous  cave. 

3.  An  hoard  of  God-difhon'ring  crimen 

4.  A  waller  bafe  of  holy  times. 

Z  2  5.  A' 


268  Gospel     Sonnets. 

5.  A  throne  of  pride  and  felf-conceit. 

6.  A  flaughter-houfe  of  wrath  and  hate. 
7..  A  cage  of  birds  and  thoughts  unclean. 

8.  A  den  of  thieves  and  frauds  unfeen. 

9.  An  heap  of  calumnies  sinfpent. 
10.  A  gulph  of  greed  and  dilcontent. 

3.    The  GLORIOUS   GOSPEL, 

OK, 

Cbrift  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteoufnefs,  Rom.  x.  4. 

And  the  abfolute  need  of  this  remedy  inferred  from  the 
premiffes. 

HEnce  I  conclude  and  clearly  fee 
There's  by  the  law  no  life  for  me  5 
Which  damns  each  foul  to  endlefs  thrall,. 
Whofe  heart  and  life  fulfils  not  all. 
What  fhall  I  do,  unl'efs  for  bail 
I  from  the  law  to  grace  appeal  ? 
She  reigns  through  Jefus'  righteoufnefs, 
Which  giving  juftice  full  redrefs, 
On  grace's  door  this  motto  grav'd, 
Let  Jin  be  damn' 'd,  andjinners  fa-v'd. 
O  wifdom's  deep  myfterious  way  ! 
Lo,  at  this  door  I'll  waiting  flay,  '  )> 

Till  fin  and  hell  both  pafs  away.  J 

But  in  this  blifs  to  fhew  my  part,  ") 

Grant,  through  thy  law  grav'd  in  my  heart,    ^ 
My  life  may  fnew  thy  graving  art,  J 

4.   The  PRATERof  F  AITH, 

Which   may  be  conceived  in  the  following  words  of  a 
Certain  author. 

OUM  tuus  in '  vita,  tuafunt  mea  funera,  Chrifte; 

Da,  precor,  imperii  /ceptra  tenere  tui. 
Cur  etenim,  moriensy  tot  <vultierafa:*va  tulijli, 

Si  nonfum  regni  portio  parva  tui  ?  Gttr 


Fart  IV.  The  Believer s  Lodging, 

Cur  rigido  latuit  tua  vita  incluja  fepulchro> 

^Si  non  eft  mea  mors  morte  fugata  tua  ? 
Ergo  mihi  cert  am  praftes,   O  Chrifte,  Ja/utem, 
Meque  tuo  latum  f anguine,  Chrifte,  jwva* 

Which  may  be  thus  Englijhedi 

Jefus,  I'm  thine  in  life  and  death, 

Oh  let  me  conqu'ring  hold  thy  throne, 
.  Why  fhar'd  the  crofs  thy  vital  breath, 
If  not  to  make  me  fhare  thy  crown? 

Why  laid  in  jail  of  cruel  grave* 

If  not  thy  death  from  death  me  free  f 

Then,  Lord,  in  fare  the  blifs  I  crave, 
Seal'd  with  thy  blood,  and  fuccoyr.Hie, 


GOSPEL: 


GOSPEL  SONNETS; 

O    R, 

SPIRITUAL  SONGS, 

PART     V. 

The  Bel  iever-5  Soliloquy; 
effecially  in  Times  of  Defertion,  Temptatiw9 
Affliftion,  &c. 

.:  S  E  C  T.    L 

T&?  defer  ted  believer  longing  for  perfett  freedom  from    g 
fin. 

AH  mournful  Cafe?  what  ean  afford 
Contentment  when  an  abfent  Lord  \ 
Will  now  his  kindnefs  neithe*  prove 
By  fmiles  of  grace,  nor  lines  of  love? 

# 
What  heart  c?n  joy,  what  foul  can  fing* 
While  winter  over-runs  the  fpring  ? 
I  die,  yet  can't  my  death  condole: 
Lord,  fave  a  dying,  drooping  foul. 

In  pain,  yet  unconcern'd,  I  live, 
And  languifh  when  I  mould  believe. 
Lord,  if  thou  ceafe  to  come  an<a  flay. 
My  foul  in  fin  will  pine  away. 

In  fin,  whofe  ill  no  tongue  can  teji,  u 
To  live  is  deatfc,  todietsheJl: 


?art  V.  The  Believer  s  Soliloquy,  27.1 

C  fave,  if  not  from  thrall's  arreny 
Yet  fave  me,  Lord ,  from  fin  at  leaf!:, 

This  for  his  merit's  fake  I  feek, 
Whofe  blood  and  wounds  do  mercy  fpeak^ 
Who  left  the  rank  of  glorious  choirs, 
And  heav'nry  fiow'is  for  earthly  briers. 

Our  Sam/on  took  an  holy  nap 
Upon  our  feeble  nature's  lap  : 
He  wand'ring  in  a  pilgrim's  weed, 
Did  taite  our  griefs,  to  help  our  need, 

Earth's  fury  did  upon  him  light : 
How  black  was  Herod's  cruel  fpiie  I 
Who,  to  be  fure  of  murd'ring  one, 
Left  he  be  fpar'd  did  pity  none  ! 

Hell  hunts  the  babe  a  few  days  old,  _ 
That  came  to  rifle  Satan't,  fold  • 
All  hands  purfu'd  him  ev'n  to  death> 
That  came  to  fave  from  fin  and  wrath, 

Q  mercy !  ignorant  of  bounds ! 
Which  all  created  thought  confounds  % 
He  ran  outright  a  faving  race 
For  them  that  unto  death  him  chafe, 

|   O  fin !  how  heavy  is  thy  weight, 

That  prefs'd  the  glorious  God  of  might, 
Till  proftrate  on  the  freezing  ground, 
He  fweat  his  clotted  blood  around ! 

His  hand  the  pond'rous  globe  does  prop. 
This  weight  ne'er  made  him  fweat  a  drop  • 
But  when  fin's  load  upon  him  lies, 
He  falls  and  fweats,  and  grones  and  dies, 


•Alas!  if  God  fink  under  fin, 

How  Jhall  the  man  that  dies  therein  } 


How 


272 


Gospel       Sonnets. 


How  deeply  down,  when  to  the  load 
He  adds  the  flighted  blood  of  God  ? 

Lord,  let  thy  fall  my  rife  obtain, 
Thy  grievous  fhame  my  glory  gain ; 
Thy  crofs  my  lafting  crown  procure, 
Thy  death  my  endlefs  life  infure. 

O  fend  me  down  a  draught  of  love, 
Or  take  me  hence  to  drink  above  : 
Here  Marab's  water  fills  my  cup, 
But  there  all  griefs  are  fvvallovv'd  up, 

Love  here  is   fcarce   a  faint  defire, 
But  there  the  fpark's  a  flaming  fire. 
Joys  here  are  drops  that  pafiing  flee, 
But  there  an  ever-flowing  fea. 

My  faith,  that  fees  fo  darkly  here, 
Will  there  re  !ign  to  vifion  clear : 
My  hope,  that's  here  a  weary  groan, 
Will  to  fruition  yield  the  throne. 

Here  fetters  hamper  freedom's  wing,   , 
But  there  the  captive  is  a  king : 
And  grace  is  like  a  bury'd  feed, 
But  finners  there  are  faints  indeed. 

My  portion's  here  a  crumb  at  beft, 
But  there  the  Lamb's  eternal  feaft: 
My  prai'fe  is  now  a  fmother'd  fire, 
But  then  I'll  fing,  and  never  tire. 

Now  duflcy  fhadows  cloud  my  day, 
But  then  the  fhades  will  flee  away : 
My  Lord  will  break  the  dimming  glafs, 
And  fhew  his  glory  face  to  face. 

My  num'rous  foes  now  beat  me  down, 
But  then  I'll  wear  the  victor's  crown  5   , 


Part.  V..  The  Believers  Soliloquy,  273. 

Yet  all  the  revenues  I'll  bring 
To  Zion's  everlafting  King. 

SECT.     II. 

The  defer  ted  believer's  prayer  under  complaint  1  of  un- 
belief., darknefs,  deadnefs,  and  bardnefs. 

TT  7  Hat  means  this  wicked  wand'ring  heart  ? 
VV    This  trembling  ague  of  my  foul? 
Would  Jefus  but  a  look  impart, 

One  look  from  him  would  make  me  whole, 

But  will  he  turn  to  me  his  face, 

From  whom  he  juftly  did  withdraw  ? 

To  me  who  flighted  alL  that  grace 
I  in  my  paft  experience  faw  ? 

Lord,  for  thy  promife  fake  return, 

Apply  thy  pard'ning,  cleaniing  blood; 

Look  down  with  pity  on  a  worm,: 
With  cov'nant-mercy  dome  good. 

When  thy  free  Sp'rit  the  word  applies, 

And  kindly  tells  me  thou  art  mine, 
My  faithlefs  frnking  heart  replies, 

Ah  Lord !  I  wifh  I  could  be  thine. 

My  faith's  fo  'neighted  in  my  doubts, 

I  call  the  offer'd  good  away. 
And  lofe,  by  railing  vain  difputes, 

The  wented  bleffings  of  the  day. 

Was  e'er  one  prefs'd  with  fach  a  load, 
Or  pierc'd  with  fuch  an  unfeen  dart; 

To  find  at  once  an  abfent  God, 
And  yet,  alas!  a carelefs  heart ? 

Such  grief  as  mine,  a  grief lefs  grief*. 
Bid  ever  any  mortal  mare  .? 

An 


274  Gospel     Sonnets. 

An  hopelefs  hope,  a  lifelefs  life, 
Or  fuch  unwonted  carelefs  care  ? 

Tis  fad,  Lord  !  when  for  night's  folace 
Nor  moon,  nor  Harry  gleams  appear  ; 

Yet  worfe,  when  in  this  difmal  cafe 
My  heart  is  hard'ned  from  thy  fear. 

"'Twas  not  becaufe  n®  fhow'rs.did  flow 
Of  htav'nly  manna  at  my  door; 

But  by  my  folly  I'm  into 

A  worfe  condition  than  before. 

Come,  Lord,  with  greater  po w'r;  for  why, 
Mine,  fure,  is  not  a  common  cafe : 

Thou  offer'ft  to  unvail ;  yet  I 
Do  fcarce  incline  to  fee  thy  face. 

Such  languid  faint  defires  I  feel 
Within  this  wicked  ftupid  heart; 

I  mould,  I  would,  but  that  I  will 
I  hardly  dare  with  truth  afTert. 

0  to  be  free  of  that  vile  wrack, 

That  bafely  keeps  me  from  my  God ! 

1  flee  from  thee,  Lord;  bring  me  back 

By  tender  love,  or  by  thy  rod. 

In  paths  of  righteoufnefs  direct, 
New  proofs  of  thy  remiifion  give ; 

Then  of  thy  name  I'll  mention  make 
With  grateful  praifes  while  I  live : 

On  banks  of  mercy's  boundlefs  deep 
With  fweeter  eafe  I'll  foar  and  fing, 

Than  kings  of  father'd  holts,  that  Tweep 
The  oozy  more  with  eafy  wing. 

But  if  thy  mind  omnifcient  know 
I'm  for  this  abfent  blifs  unfit, 


Give 


Part  V.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy. 

Give  grace  to  hate  my  fins ,  and  to 
Their  righteous  punilhment  fubmit. 

But  Jet  me  ne'er  thy  Spirit  lack, 

That  by  his  aid  my  pray'rs  may  corns 

Before  him,  who  can  wifely  make 
Ev'n  diilance  lead  his  people  .home* 

Deep  wifdom  can  my  foul  prepare 
By  prefent  woes  for  abfeat  bills. 
By  acid  griefs  that  now  I  fhare, 
He  can  convey  the  joys  I  mils. 

Who  all  from  nothing's  womb  difclos'd, 
Can  make  th'  amazing  producl:  ceafe ; 

With  him  our  order  is  confus'd, 

By  him  confufion  brings  forth  peace, 

Then,  Lord,  ne'er  let  me  bafely  fpurn 
Againft  thy  fearchlefs  unknown  waysi 

But  magnify  thy  work,  and  turn 
My  groans  and  murmurs  into  praife» 

.Let  me  fubmiffive,  while  I  live, 
Thy  awful  juilice  own  with  fear; 

Yet  penfive  let  me  never  grieve 
Thy  tender  mercy  by  defpair. 

Since  though  by  fm  I  foully   fwerv'd, 
And  lewdly  from  my  glory  fell, 

I'm  chaft'ned  here,  and  not  referv'd 
To  feel  the  weight  of  fm  in  hell ; 

Thy  high  right  hand's  once  joyful  days 
In  my  diftrefs  I'll  call  to  mind; 

And  own  that  all  thy  darkell  ways 

Will  clearly  prove  thee  good  and  kind. 


2*7 


7< 


SECT, 


■7»  Lr  0   S  P  E  L       5  0   N   N  £   T  5. 


SECT.     III. 

rhe  believer  wading  through  deeps  of defer 7 ion  and, 
ruption. 

LORD,  when  thy  face  thou  hidft, 
And  leav'ft  me  long  to  plore, 
1  faithlefs  doubt  of  all  thou  didft 
And  wrought'ft  for  me  before. 

No  marks  of  love  I  find, 

No  grains  of  grace,  but  wracks; 
No  track  of  heav'n  is  left  behind, 
No  groan,  no  fmoking  flax. 

Bat  fay,  if  all  the  gufts 

And  grains  of  love  be  fpeut, 
Say,  Farezvel  Chrif,  and  welcome  'ufs^ 
Stop,  flop,  I  melt,  1  faint. 

Lord,  yet  thou  haft  my  heart, 
This  bargain  black  I  hate ; 
I  dare  not,  cannot,  will  not  part 
With  thee  at  fuch  a  rate. 

Once,  like  a  father  good, 

Thou  didft  with  grace  perfume; 
Waft  thou  a  lather  to  conclude 
With  dreadful  judge's  doom  ? 

Confirm  thy  former  deed, 
Reform  what  is  denTd; 
I  was,  lam,  Pllftill  abide 

Thy  choice,  thy  charge,  thy  child. 

Love-feals  thou  didft  impart, 
Lock'd  up  in  mind  I  have; 
Hell  cannot  rafe  out  of  my  heart 

What  Keav'n  did  there  iiigrave. 


Thoi 


Part  V.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy, 

Thou  once  didft  make  me  whole 
By  thy  almighty  hand  ;  x 
Thou  mad'it  me  vow  and  gift  my  foul; 
Both  vow  and  gift  mall  ftand. 

But  fince  my  folly  grofs 
My  joyful  cup  did  fpill, 
Make  me  the  captive  of  thy  crofs, 
Submiifive  to  thjrwill. 

Selfinmyfelf  I  hate, 

That's  matter  of  my  groan ; 
Nor  can  I  rid  me  from  the  mate 
That  caufes  me  to  moan. 

O  frail,  unconfrant  flefti ! 
Soon  trapt  in  every  gin ; 
Soon  turn'd,  o'erturn'd,  and  fo  afrefh 
Plung'd  in  the  gulph  of  fin. 

Shall  I  be  flave  to  fin, 

My  Lord's  moft  bloody  foe  ? 
I  feel  its  pow'rful  fway  within, 
How  long  fnali  it  be  fo  ? 

How  long,  Lord,  {hall  I  flay  ? 
How  long  in  Mefecb  here  ? 
Dimon'ring  thee  from  day  to  day, 
Whofe  name's  to  me  fo  dear  ? 

While  fin,  Lord,  breeds  my  grief, 
And  makes  me  fadly  pine; 
With  blinks  of  grace  O  grant  relief, 
Till  befms  of  glory  ihine. 

|      S'E  C  T.     IV. 

Complaint  of  Jin,  farrow,  and  want  cflo 

IF  black  doom  by  defert  mould  go, 
Then,  Lord,  my  due  defert  is  death; 
A  a 


2/8  Gospel     Sonnets, 

Which  robs  from  fouls  immortal  joy, 
And  from  their  bodies  mortal  breath. 

But  in  fo  great  a  Saviour, 

Can  e'er  fo  bafe  a  worm's  annoy 

Add  any  glory  to  thy  pow'r, 
Or  any  gladnefs  to  thy  joy  ? 

Thou  juftly  may  ft  me  doom  to  death, 
And  cverlafting  flames  of  lire; 

But  on  a  wretch  to  pour  thy  wrath 
Can  never  fure  be  worth  thine  ire. 

Since  Jefus  the  atonement  was, 
Let  tender  mercy  mereleafe; 

Let  him  be  umpire  of  my  caufe, 

And  pafs  the  gladfome  doom  of  peace. 

Let  grace  forgive,  and  love  forget 

My  bafe,  my  vile  a  oftafy; 
And  temper  thy  deferved  hate 

With  love  and  mercy  toward,  me. 

The  ruffling  winds  and  raging  blafts 
Hold  me  in  conftant  cruel  chace; 

They  break  my  anchors,  fails,  and  mails, 
Allowing  no  repofmg  place. 

The  boift'rous  feas  with  fwelling  floods 
On  ev\y  firte  againft  me  fight. 

Heav'n,  overca*:  with  itormy  clouds, 
Dims  all  the  planet's  guiding  light. 

The  hellifh  "uries  lie  in  wait 
To  win  my  »oul  into  thy  pow'r; 

To  make  me  bite  at  ev'ry  bait, 
And  thus  my  killing  bane  devour. 

I  lie  inc*  ain;d  in  fin  and  thrall, 
Next  border  unto  black  defpajr; 


Part  V.  The  Believer's  Soliloquy,  279 

Till  grace  reltore,  and  of  my  fall 
The  doleful  ruins  all  repair. 

My  hov'ring  thoughts  would  Bee  to  glore, 

And  nettle  fafe  above  the  fky  ; 
Fain  would  my  tumbling  fhip  afhore 

At  that  fure  anchor  quiet  lie. 

But  mounting  thoughts  are  haled  down 

With  heavy  poife  of  corrupt  load; 
And  bluft'ring  itorms  deny  with  frown 

An.  harbour  of  iecure  abode. 

To  drown  the  wight  that  wakes  the  blaft. 

Thy  fin-fubduing  grace  afford ; 
The  ftorm  might  ceafe,  could  I  but  caft 

This  troublous  Jonah  over-board. 

Bafeflefh,  with  flefhly  pleafures  gain'd, 

Sweet  grace's  kindly  fuit  declines ; 
When  mercy  courts  me  for  its  friend, 

Anon  my  fordid  flem  repines, 

Soar  up,  my  foul,  to  Tabor  hill, 

Caft  off  this  lothfome preffing  load; 
Long  is  the  date  of  thine  exile, 

While  abfent  from  thy  Lord,  thy  God. 

Dote  not  on  earthly  weeds  and  toys, 

Which  do  not,  cannot  fuit  thy  taite; 
The  flow'rs  of  everlafting  joys 

Grow  up  apace  for  thy  repaft. 

Sith  that  the  glorious  God  above 

In  Jefus  bears  a  love  to  thee ; 
How  bafe,  how  brutifh  is  thy  love 

Of  any  being  lefs  than  he  ? 

Who  for  thy  love  did  chufe  thy  grief, 
Content  in  love  to  live  and  die  : 

A  a  2  Who 


280  Gosi-sl     Sonne 

Who  lov'd  thy  love  more  than  his  life. 
And  with  his  life  thy  love  did  buy. 

Since  then  the  God  of  richeft  love 

With  thy  poor  love  enamour'd  is ; 
How  high  a  crime  will  thee  reprove, 

If  not  enamour'd  deep  with  his  ? 

Since  on  the  verdant  field  of  grace 

His  love  does  thine  fo  hot  purfue ; 
Let  love  meet  love  with  chafte  embrace, 

Thy  mite  a  thoufand-fold  is  due. 

Rife,  love,  thou  early  heav'n,  and  fing, 

Young  little  dawn  of  endlefs  day: 
I'll  on  thy  mounting  fiery  wing 

In  joyful  raptures  melt  away. 

SECT..V. 

The  defertedfouVs  pi  oyer  for  the  hordes  gracious   r.  *  f;n 
fubduing  prefence. 

Kind  Jefusy  come  in  love  to  me, 
And  make  no  longer  ftay; 
.Or  elfe  receive  my  foul  to  thee, 
That  breathes  to  me  away. 

A  Lazar  at  thy  gate  I  lie, 

As  well  it  me  becomes, 
For  child ie:-  bread  afliam'd  to  cry  . 

O  grant  a  dog  the  crumbs. 

My  wounds  and  rags  my  need  pr^claim^ 
They  needful  help  infure: 
..  tyly  wounds  bear  witnefs  that  I'm  lame 
Mir  rags  that  I  am  poor. 

Thou  many  at  thy  door  doft  feed 
With  mercy  when  diftreft; 


Part  V.  The  Betimes  Soliloquy,  2§i 

O  wilt  thou  not  mew  an  alms-deed 
To  me  among  the  reft? 

None  elfe  can  give  my  foul  relief, 

None  elfe  can  eafe  my  moan, 
But  he  vyhofe  abfence  is  my  grief: 

All  other  joys  be  gone. 

How  can  I  ceafe  from  fad  complaint  ? 

How  can  I  be  at  reft  ? 
My  mind  can  never  be  content 

T6  want  my  noble  gueft. 

Drop  down,  mine  eyes,  and  never  tire, 

Ceafe  not  on  any  terms, 
Until  I  have  my  heart's  deitre, 

My  Lord  within  mine  arms. 

My  heart,  my  hand,  my  fpirits  fail, 

When  hiding  off  he  goes ; 
My  fleih,  my  foes,  my  lufts  prevail? 

And  work  my  daily  woes. 

When  lhall  I  fee  that  gloripus  fight 

Will  all  my  fins  deftroy? 
That  Lord  of  love,  that  lamp  of  light/   . 

Will  baniih  all  annoy  ? 

O  could  I  but  from  finning  ceafe, 

And  wait  on  Pi/gab's  hill, 
Until  I  fee  him  face  to  face, 

Then  Ihould  my  foul  be  ftill. 

Bat  fince  corruption  cleaves  to  me 

While  I  in  Kedar  dwell; 
G  give  me  leave  to  long  for  thee? 

For  abfence  is  a  hell. 

Thy  glory  Ihould  be  dear  to  me; 
Who  me  fo  dear  hall  bought : 

O 


2%'i  G  (rs  p  n     Sonnets 

O  fave  from  rend'ring  ill  to  thee 
For  good  which  thou  haft  wrought. 

With  fear  I  crave,  with  hope  I  cry, 

Oh  promis'd  favour  fend; 
Be  theu  thyfelf,   though  chang'ling  I 

Ungratefully  offend. 

Out  of  thy  way  remove  the  lets,  . 

Cleanfe  this  polluted  den; 
Tender  my  fuits,  cancel  my  debts ;. 

Sweet  Jefus,  fay,  Amen. 

SECT.     VL 

The  fang  of  heaven  defred  by  faints  on  earth. 

AURORA  vails  her  rofy  face, 
*"   When  brighter  Phoebus  takes  her  place;- 
So  glad  will  grace  refign  her  room 
To  glory  in  the  heav'nly  home. 

Happy  the  company  that's  gone 
From  crofs  to  crown,  from  thrall  to  throne,; 
How  loud  they  fing  upon  the  fhore, 
To  which  they  fail'd  in  heart  before ! 

Blcfs'd  are  the  dead,  yea,  faith  the  word. 
1 "hat  die  in  Chrift  the  living  Lord, 
And  on  the  other  iide  of  death 
Thus  joyful  fpend  their  praifing  breath : 

"  Death  from  all  death  has  fet  us  free, 

il  And  will  our  gain  for  ever  be; 

"  Death  loos'd  the  maffy  chains  of  woer 

K  To  let  the  mournful  captives  go. 

"  Death  is  to  us  afweet  repofe; 

■ '  The  bud  was  op'd  to  fhew  the  rofe ; 


The 


Part,  Y\  Tbi 'Believer's  Solihquy.  3 S3 

"  The  cage  was  broke  to  let  us  fly, 
"  And  build  our  happy  neft  on  high, . 

"  Lo,  here  we  do  triumphant  reign, 
"  And  joyful  ling  in  lofty  ftrain : 
"  Lo,  here  we  reft,  andloveto.be, 
"  Enjoying  more  than  faith  could  fee* 

"  The  thoufandth  part  we  now  behold5 , 
"  By  mortal  tongues  was  never  told; 
a  We  got  a  tafte,  but  now  above. 
44  We  forage  in  the  fields  of  love* . 

.    *'  Faith  once  ftole  down  a  diftant  kifs, 
*'  Now  love  cleaves  to  the  cheek  of  blifs: . 
"  Beyond  the  fears  of  moremifhap 
*«  We  gladly  reft  in  glory's  lap. 

s<  Earth  was  to  us  a  feat  of  war,  . 

"  In  thrones  of  triumph  now  we  are*- 

"  We  Iong'd  to  fee  our  Jefus  dear, 

"  And  fought  him  there,  but  find  him  here,  - 

"  We  walk  in  white  without  annoy, 
M  In  glorious  galleries  of  joy; 
"  And  crown'd  with  everlafting  bays, 
"  We  rival  Cherubs  in  their  praife. 

•*  No  longer  we  complain  of  wants,  . 
"  We  fee  the  glorious  King  of  faintsP 
"  Amidft  his  joyful  hofts  around, 
**  With  all  the  divine  glory  crown'd, 

"  We  fee  him  at  his  table-head 
"  With  living  water,  living  bread,  . 
"  His  chearful  guefts  incefTant  load 
"  With  all  the  plenitude  of  God. 


"  We  fee  the  holy  flaming  fires, 
"  Cherubic  and  feraphic  quires  5 


An4 


2$4  .  Gospel     Sonnets, 


And  gladly  join  with  thofe  on  high, 
To  warble  praife  eternally. 


Glory  to  God  that  here  we  came, 
And  glory  to  the  glorious  Lamb : 
Our  light,  our  life,  our  joy,  ourali 


"  Our  Lord  is  ours,  and  we  are  his  j   . 

"  Yea,  now  we  fee  him  as  he  is  : 

*«  And  hence  we  like  unto  him  are, 

"  And  full  his  glorious  image  Share. 

if  No  darknefs  now,  no  difmal  night,    . 
11  No  vapour  intercepts  the  light; 
li  We  fee  for  ever  face  to  face 
ei  The  higheft  Prince  in  higheil  place. 

"  This,  this  does  heav'n  enough  afford, 
Ci  We  are  for  ever  with  the  Lord  : 
"  We  want  no  more,  for  all- is  giv'n; 
u  His  prefence  is  the  heart  of  heav'n,'* 

While  thus.  I  laid  my  lift'ning  ear 
Clofe  to  the  door  of  heav'n  to  hear  |   - 
And  then  the  facred  page  did  view, 
Which  told  me  all  I  heard  was  true; 

Yet  fhew'd  me  that  the  heav'nly  fong 
Surpaffes  ev'ry  mortal  tongue, 
With  fuch  unutterable  drains 
As  none  in  fett'ring  flefh  attains : 

Then  faid  I,  "  O  to  mount  away, 
"And  leave  this  clog  of  heavy  clay '. 
14  Let  wings  of  time  more  hafty  fly, 
N  That  I  may  join  the  fongs  on  high." 


GOSPEL 


GOSPEL  SONNETS 5 

O     R, 

SPIRITUAL  SONGS, 

PART     VI. 
ffo  Believer^  Principles. 

Concerning 

2  .   Creation  and  Redemption, 
2.   Laiv  and  Gofpel. 

3  •  Jujiification  and  Sanfiification* 

4.  Faith  and  Senfs. 

5.  Heaven  and  Earth. 

C  H  A  P."l 

The  believer's  principles  concerning 
Creation  and  Redemption-,  or,  Some  of  the 
fir  ft  principles  of  the  oracles  of  God. 

SECT.    I. 

Of    CREATION. 

The   firft  Chapter  of  Genejts  compendifed,  or  the   firft 
feven  days   work,  from  the  following  Latin  Una 

EngHJhed. 


JP  Rima  dies  ccelum,  PJ  terram,  lucimfue^  creavit 
Altera  dijiendit  fpatium,  dijerimen  aquarum. 


Tenia 


2^86  Gosper     Sonnets. 

Tertia  fecemens  undas.  dat  gr  amino,  t  err  is. 
Quart  a  creatfolem  &  lunamy  coelejliaque  aftra. 
Quint  a  dedit  pi  fees,  eadem  genus  omne  njoluntum. 
Sexta  tulit  pecucies.  homimm  quoque  quern  Deus  ipfe 
Condi dit ;  inde  operis  requies  lux  Jeptimafulfit . 

In  Englifh    thus: 

i.  Thefirftday,  heav'n,  earth,  light,  Jehovah  fent. 

2.  The  next,  a  water- fund'riiag  firmament. 

5.  The  third  made  dry  land  fpring  with  fiow'ry  pride. 

4.  The  fourth  fei  up  bright  lamps  times  to  divide. 

5.  The  fifth  brought  fwimming  fifh  and  flying  fowl. 

6.  The  fixth,  earth's  herds,  and  man  to  bear  the  rule. 

7.  The  feventh  brought  forth  no  more,  yet  brought 
The  lab'ring  creature's  and  Creator's  reft,  [the  beft, 

Or   thus  : 

The  firftday,  at  Jehovah's  word, 

Did  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  light  afford. 

The  next,  a  firmament  fo  wide 
As  might  the  water's  courfe  divide. 

The  third,  fevering  land  from  feas, 

Made  earth  produce  herbs,  grafs,  and  trees. 

The  fourth,  fun,  moon,  and  ftars  of  light 
Set  up,  to  rule  the  day  and  night. 

The  fifth  made  fifh  in  depths  to  move, 
And  fowls  to  fly  in  air  above. 

The  fixth  all  earthly  beafts  did  bring, 
And  man  to  be  the  creatures  king. 


The  feventh,  of  all  thefe  days  the  beft- 
Was  made  for  God  and  man  to  re/?, 


Redemption^ 


Part  VL  'The  Believer**  Principles.  287 

Redemption-work  doth  bring  again 
The  Hrft  of  thefe  to  be  the  main, 

Fetching  ?:ew  heavens  and  earth  in  fight,, 
And  immortality  to  light. 

.Since  then  iheftrft  is  now  the  -heft, 
Keep  well  this  pledge  of  endlefs  reft . 

The  Sum  ofCRE  A  T 10  W. 

All  things  from  nothing,  to  their  Sov?reign  Lord 
Dbedient  rofe  at  his  commanding  word. 
Pair  in  his  eye  the  whole  creation  flood ; 
Se  faw  the  building,  and  pronounc'd  it  good. 

^nd.noweach  work  (while  nature's  fabric  Hands)     _ 
Loud  for  its  wife  and  mighty  Lord  demands 
\  rent  of  praife,  a  loud  and,  lofty  fong, 
horn  ev'ry  rational  beholder's,  tongue. 

:S  E  C  T.     II. 
,0/    REDEMPTION- 

'he   myilery  of  the, Redeemer's  incarnation,  or  God 
manifested  in  the  flefli,   1  Tim.  iii.   16.  John  i.   14, 

W'H'at  though  the  waters,  flruck  with  dread, 
Rife  up  and  form  a  pyramid  ? 
Though  floods  mould  gufh  from  rocks  and  flones, 
Or  living  iculs  from  wither' d  bones  ? 

To  hear  of  an  incarnate  God, 
Is  ye:  more  worderful  and  odd ; 
Oi  to  behold  how  God  mofl:  high 
Could  in  our  nature  breathe  and  die. 


What  though  the  bright  angelic  forms 
degraded  were  to  crawling  worms  ? 


Thefe 


2«8  .Gospel     Sonrhj, 

Thefe  creatures  were  but  creatures  flill, 
Transform'd  at  their  Creator's  will. 

Though  creatures  change  a  thoufand  ways, 
It  cannot  fuch.  amazement  raife, 
Nor  fuch  a  fcene  as  this  difplay, 
Th'  eternal  Word a  piece  of  clay. 

God -man  a  ftrange  contexture  nVd, 
Yet  not  confufed  nor  commixM ; 
Yet  ftill  a  myft'ry  great  and  frefh, 
A  Spirit  infinite  made  jlejh. 

What  though,  when  nothing  heard  his  call, 
Nothing  obey'd  and  brought  forth  all? 
What  though  he  nothing's  brood  maintain, 
Or  all  annihilate  again  ? 

Let  nothing  into  being  pafs, 
Or  back  again  to  what  it  was? 
Bfct  io!   the  God  of  beings  here, 
As  turn'd  to  nothing  doth  appear. 

AV  heav'n's  aftanilh'd  at  his  form, 
The  mighty  God  became  a  worm, 
Down  Aria*  pride  to  him  fhall  bow, 
He's  jfefus  and  Jehovah  too. 

T&t  SovofRE  D  E  M P  T I  0  N. 

With  haughty  mind  to  Godhead  man  afpir'd, 
"With  loving  mind  our  manhood  God  deilr'd: 
Man  was  by  pride  from  pkce  of  pleafure  chas\j,* 
God  man  by  lo<ve  in  greater  pleafure  plac'd, 

Man  feeking  to  afcend  procur'd  cur  fall, 
God  yielding  to  defcend  remov'd  ci.r  thrall; 
The  judge  was  call,  the  guilty  to  acquit, 
The  fun  defae'd,  to  lend  the  fliaues  the;  irv 


SECT 


J1  art  VI o  The  BeUe--uerys  Principles,  2S9 

SECT.     III. 
'  The  REDEEMERS  W  0  R  K; 

0     R, 

Chrift  all  in  atl,  and  our  compleat  Redemption. 
A  Gofpel'C^t&ckKm  foryoung  Chrijiians. 

Quefiion, 

I'T1  Ind  teacher,  may  I  come  to  lear®. 
^  In  this  abrupt  addrefs, 
By  framing  queilions  that  concern. 
My  endlefs  happinefs  ? 


Yea,  child ;  but  if  you'd  learn  to  ma 
The  great  falvation-race, 

Know  that  the  name  of  Ghrijl  alone 
Can  anfwerev'ry cafe, 

•  Q^  By  fin  my  God  and  all  is  loh% 
O  where  may  God  be  found  ? 

-J.  In  Chriji;  for  fo  the  Holy  Ghofi 
Shews  by  the  joyful  found. 

■  ^  But  how  will  God  with  fmful  me 

Again  be  rieconcii'd  ? 
,  A.  In  Chrijl,  in  whom  his  grace  to  thee 

And  favour  is  reveai'd. 

.  i£\  O  how  Ihall  I  a  fharer  prove, 
And  fee  his  glorious  grace  ? 
A.  In  Chrift,  the  image  of  his  love, 
And  brightnefs  of  his  face. 

£K  Where  (hall  I  feek  all  divine  flora. 
And  without  fail  obtain  ? 

B  b 


290  Gospel     Sonnets, 

A.  In  Chrift,  in  whom  for  evermore 
His  fulnefs  does  remain. 

£K  But  how  (hall  I  efcape  and  flee 
Th'  avenging  -xvratb  of  God  ? 

A.  In  Chriftt  who  bore  upon  the  tree 
That  whole  amazing  load. 

££.  Alas !  I'm  daily  apt  to  ftray, 
How  fnall  I  heav'nward  make  r 

A.  Through  Cbrijl  the  confecr ate 'd way, 
Defign'd  for  thee  to  take. 

*£.  Ah  !  where's  my  title,  right  or  claim 

To  that  eternal  blifs  r 
A.  In  Chrift  alone,  that  glorious  name, 

Tbe  Lord  our  Righteoujnefs. 

$.  But  who  unfit  can  enter  there, 

Or  with  fuch  nafty  feet  ? 
A.  Chrijt  by  his  blood  prefents  iheefair, 

His  Spirit  makes  thee  meet. 

£K   But  mayn't  my  fpirit,  weak  as  grafs., 

Fail  ere  it  reach  the  length  ? 
A.  Jefus  the  Lord  thy  righteoufnefs, 

Will  be  the  Lord  thy  Jtrengtb. 

J^.  Mayn't  helliih  hofts^md  wicked  foes 

Sore  by  the  way  moleft  ? 
A.  Chriji  is  a  friend  to  bridle  thofe, 

And  give  the  weary  r.efi. 

§>j  Mayn't  guilty  confcience  loudly  brand 

And  all  my  comfort  chafe  ? 
A.  Chrift  with  a  pardon  in  his  hand 

Can  mew  his  fmiling  face. 

*$K  But  how  can  divine  mercy  vent, 
Where  fins  are  great  and  throng ? 


Part   VI.  The,  Believer's  Principles.  29 1 

A.  Chrift  is  the  channel  with  defcent 
That  mercy  runs  along. 

£K  But  may  not'juftice  interpofe, 

And  Hand  in  mercy's-way  ? 
A.  Jefus  did  all  the  debt  thou  owes 

To  divine  juftice  pay. 

*?.  Where  fhall  mine  eyes  the  pardon  fpyy 

Unto  my  faving  good  ? 
A.  In  Chrift' s  free  prcmife  fee  it  lie, . 

In  his  atoning  blood. 

£K  What  ground  have  I  to  truft  and  fay, 

The  promife  is  not  vain  ? 
A.  In  Chrift  the  promifes  are  Yea> 

in  him  they  are  Amen. 

^.  But  where  is  Chrift  himfelf,  O  where 

With  promifes  fo  fweet  ? 
A.  ChriftPs  in  the  promifes,  and  there 

Thy  faith  and  he  may  meet. 

^.  Is  Chrift  in  them,  and  they  in  Chrift  P 
How  fhall  I  this  defcry  ? 
.  A.  His  blood  and  Spirit  therein  lift 
To  feal  and  to  apply. 

Q^  'Gainft  legal  fiery  threats  of  wrath, 

Pray,  what  defence  is  bell?  , 

A.  drift's  full  obedience  ey'd  by  faith: 

There  mould  the  guilty  reft. 

Q^  But  how  (hall  faith  be  had  ?  Alas ! 

I  rind  I  can't  believe. 
A.  Chrift  is  the  author  of  that  grace, 

And  faith  is  his  to  give. 

Q^  A !  when  may  faithlefs  I  expeft  i 
He'll  fuch  a  blifs  bequeath  ? 

B  b  2  A, 


ros 


Gos'hl     Sonnets 

J'  fe,vvII]  *?  unbelief convift, 
Afld  pave  the  way  for  faith. 

^iTunlTrf attend'  but  *hen<e 

>/    /■>/  .„ :    s  £race  receive  ? 
AH  needful  grace  to  give. 

%H°W  f3?  f°  viIe  a  Ia™P  of  duft 

Heart-holinefs  exped*  ? 
ACbriJtbv  his  holy  Spirit  muft 

i  his  gradual  change  effedt. 

%mT-faKIdrhe^^a^t 
i  m  daily  bound  unto  * 

\v«??ln  ?6e'  hyhh  Spirit's  might, 
W orks  both  to  W/ and  £  snc> 

Ql  How  mall  my  *«/*//«  be  heaPd, 

i>o  fore  moleftinp-  me?' 

Jjt^'l  tJie  £r?at  Pnyfician  feal'd, 
foe  Lord  that  bealetb  thee. 

Q;  By  /r^r  I  oaght  to  feek  his  face, 
rhis  courfe  how  mail  I  drive? 

^'  'TjsGbri/i  alone  that  has  the  grace 
And  fp'rit  of  pray'r  to  give. 

Q^  Salvation-work  \&  great  and  hi^h 

Alas!  what  {hall  I  do  ? 
■A.  Cbrifi  as  the  Alpha  thereof  eye, 

And  the  Omega  too. 

Q^  What  pillar  then  is  mofi  fecurc 

To  build  my  hope  upon? 
J.   Cbrifi  only  the  foundation  Jure, 

The  living  ccrr.er-ltone. 

Q,   When  I'm  with  hUck  pollution  fiain'd, 
How  mail  I  cleanfed  be? 


Part  VI.  The  Beiiewrs  Principles.-  293 

A.  Cbrifi  is  a  fountain  for  that  end 
Set  open  wide  fer  thee. 

Q^  What  ihall  I  do,  when  plagues  abound^ 

With  forrows,  griefs,  and  fears  ? 
A-.  Chrifi  has  a  half  am  for  thy  wounds, 
A  bottle  for  thy  tears, 

Q^  But  is  there  any  help  for  one 

That  utterly  is  loft  ? 
A.  Chrift  faves  from  fin,  and  he  alone 

Ev'n  to  the  uttermofi.      *' 

Q^  But  where  mail  I  be  fafe  at  laft 

From  hell  and  crrdlefs  death  ? 
A.  Chrijl  is  a  r*/ag*  from  the  blail 
Of .  everlafting  wrath. 

$&.&»*  mayn't  ev'n  nat'ral  death  to  me 

Et  .^  iq  a  dreadful  thing  ?. 
A.-Cbnjlhy  his  death  in  love  to  thee 

Did  -ev'ry .  death -uniting. 

Q£  Why,  Sir,  'is  Cbrifi vthe  whole  you  fay }': 

No  anfvver  elfe  I  find. 
A.-  Becaafe,  were  Chrifi  our  all  away, 
There's  nothing  left  behind. 

Qv  How  can  he  anfwer  ev'ry  cafe, 

And  help  in  ev'ry  thrall  r 
A.  Becaufe  he  is  the  Lord  of  grace, 

Jehovah  all  in  all. - 

Q^  How  is  he  prefent  to  fupply, 

And  to  relieve  us  thus? 
A.  Becaufe  his  glorious  name  is  nigh 

ItnmanueU  God  with  us. 

Q^  Has  he  alone  ail  powV  to  fave.  * 
Js  nothing  left  to  man? 

B  b  3   , 


294  G    O  S   P   E    L       S   O   N 


N   E  T 


A.  Yea,  without  Chrif  we  nothing  have, 
Without  him  nothing  can. 

Q^  Mayn't  fome  from  hence  take  latitude 
And  room  their  lulls  to  pleafe  ? 
If Cbrijl  do  all,  then  very  good, 
Let  us  take  carnal  eafe. 

A.  Cbrijl  will  in  flaming  vengeance  come, 
With  fury  in  his  face, 
To  damn  his  foes  that  dare  prefume, 
And  thus  abufe  his  grace. 

SECT.     IV. 

Faith  ^works  both  excluded  from  the  matter  of  J  uf- 
iification  before  God,  that  redemption  may  appear  to  be 
only  in  Chrift. 

WHO  dare  an  holy  God  addrefs     : 
With  an  unholy  righteoufnefs  I 
Who  can  endure  his  awful  probe, 
Without  perfection  for  their  robe? 

None  could  his  great  tribunal  face, 
Were  faith  itfelf  their  faireft  drefs : 
Faith  takes  the  robe,  but  never  brags 
Itfelf  has  ought  but  filthy  rags. 

Faith  claims  no  mare,  and  works  far  lefs, 
In  juftice-pleafmg  righteoufnefs : 
The  fervant  were  to  be  abhorr'd, 
Would  claim  the  glory  of  his  lord'. 

Blafphemous  unbelief  may  claim 
The  praifes  of  the  worthy  Lamb: 
But  faith  difclaiming  all  its  beft, 
Not  on  itfelf,  but  Cbrift,  will- reft. 

I'm  fav'd  and  juftify'd  by  faith, 
Which  yet  no  laving  value  hath ;    > 

Nor 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles^  295 

Nor  e'er  pretends  to  fave  fro^i  thrall, 
But  in  its  object  has  its  all. 

'Tis  Cbrijl  alone  faves  guilty  me, 
And  makes  my  right  to  live  fo  free, 
That  in  himfelf  it  ftands  alone  : 
Faith  takes  the  right,  but  gives  me  none.- 

I  dare  not  act  with  this  intent,' 
For  afts  of  mine  to  draw  the  rent  r 
Nor  do  good  works  with  this  defign,- 
To  win  the  crown  byworks  of  mine.- 

I*d  thus  the  promis'd  grace  forfake,  . 
Nor  Jefus  for  my  faviour  take ; 
Yea,  thus  would' dreadfully  prefume, 
And  work  mine  own  eternal  doom. 

• 

Prefumption  cannot  rife  more  high, 
I'd  make  the  truth  of  God  a  lyef 
The  God  of  truth  a  lyar  too ; 
What  more  mifchief  could  Satan  do  h 

Why,  I'd  difcredit  God's  record 
Concerning  Jefus  Cbrijl  the  Lord;,  , 
His  glorious  and  eternal  Son, 
Whofe  blood  has  life  eternal  won, 

In  him  (fays  God)  this  life. I  give, 
In  him  mail  therefore  men  believe, 
My  gift  embracing  in  their  arms  : 
None1  mail  be  fav'd  on  other  terms. 

Vain  man  mull  ftoop  and  freely  take, 
Or  elfe  embrace  a  burning  lake : 
Proud  nature  muft  fubmit  to  grace* 
And  to  the  divine  righteoufnefs. 


In  vain  on  works  our  hope  is  built^ 
Our  actions  nothing  are  but  guilt: 


The 


296:  Gospex       Sonnets, 

The  bell  obedience  of  our  own 
Dave  not  appear  before  his  throne. 

What  finite  worm  can  bear  the  load,   • 
The  fury  of  an  angry  God  ? 
What  mortal  vigour  can  withstand  ' 
The  vengeance  of  his  lifted  hand  i 

The  law  can  never  fave  us  now, 
To  damn  is  all  that  it  can-do. 
Heav'n  cafts  all  righteoufnefs  of  ours,   - 
The  law  of  works  is  out  of  doors. 

No  merit,  money,  more  or  lefs, 
Can  buy  the  gift  of  righteoufnefs. 
O  may  I  take  what  Heav'n  does  give 4 
Jehovah,  help  me  to  believe-.; 

And  in  that  righteoufnefs  to  truft, 
Wiiich  only  makes  a  firmer  juit. 
And  then,  the  truth  of  faith  to  prove,   . 
Lord,  .make  my  faith  to  work  by  love,-. 


CHAP. 


Part.  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles* 

CHAP.     II. 


The   believer's  principles    concerning 
the.G^f/j  . 

Particularly.,  \ 


the  Law  and  the ..Go fed. 


1.  The  my  fiery 

2.  The  difference  t"„/*r,„,       j  r*  ~   «    „ 
en    i  >  of  Law  ana  Gospel, 

3.  /#<?  harmony 

4.  The  place  and fiaticn 


SECT.     I. 

1T&*  my  fiery  o/Law  «W  GofpeK 

T  Hough  law-commands  and  gofpel-graee 
Agree  in  mutual  joint  embrace  f^s 
Yet  law  and  gofpel  in  a  mock 
Can  never  draw  an  equal  yoke  (b)*. 

The  law  of  works,  the  law  of  grace. 
Can't  iland  together  in  one  place  j 


Ths 


(a)  Rom.  iii.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law 
through  faith?  God  forbid:  yea,  we  eftablifh  the  law. 
Ga'.  iii.  21.  Is  the  law  then  againfr  the  promifes  of 
God?  God  forbid:  for  if  there  had  been  a  law  given 
which  could  have  given  life,  verily  righteoufnefs 
fhould  have  been  by  ths  law. 

(b)  PfaL  cxxx.  3.  4.  If  thou,  Lord,  ihouldft 
mark  iniquities :  O  Lord,  who  fhall  Hand  ?  But  there 
is  forgivenefs  with  thee:  that  thou  mayft  be  feared.  <v. 
7.  8.  Let  Ifrael  hope  in  the  Lord  :  for  with  the  Lord 
there  is  mercy,  and  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption. 
And  he  mall  redeem  Ifrael  from  all  his  iniquities, 
cxliii.  2.  O  Lord,  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 
fervant :  for  in  thy  light  mall  no  man  living  be  juflifi- 

eJ. 


29**  Gospel     Sonnets, 

The  brighter  fcene  deftroys  the  dark, 
As  Dagon  fell  before  the  ark  (c). 

They  harmonize  like  marry'd  pairs  (d)> 
Yet  are  at  odds,  and'keep  not  fquares  (e)  : 


As- 


ed.  <v.  8.  Caufe  me  to  hear  thy  loving-kindnefs  in  the 
mprning,  for  in  thee  do  Iftruft:  caufe  me  to  know  the 
way  wherein  1  mould  walk,  for  I  lift  up  my  foul  unto 
thee. 

(c)  Rom.  vi.  14.  15.  Sin  fhall  not  have  dominion 
over  you :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under 
grace.  What  then?  fhall  we  fin,  becaufe  we  are  not 
under  the  law,  but  under  grace  ?  God  forbid.  Chap. 
vii.  4.  5.  6.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo  are  be- 
come dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrift;  that  ye 
ihould  be  married  to  another,  even  to  him  who  is  raifed 
from  the  dead,  that  we  mould  bring  forth  fruit,  unto- 
God.  For  when  we  were  in  the  flem,  the  motions  of  fins 
which  were  by  the  Jaw,  did  work  in  our  members  to 
bring  forth  fruit  unto  death.  But  now  we  are  delivered^ 
from  the  law,  that  being  dead  wherein  we  were  held; 
that  we  mould  ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and  not  in 
the  oldnefs  of  the  letter.  2.  Cor.  iii.  7.  8.  9.  10.  But 
if  the  minifiration  of  death  written  and  ingraven  in 
ftones,  was  glorious,  fo  that  the  children  of  Ifrael 
could  not  itedfaitly  behold  the  face  of  Mofes,  for  the 
glory  of  his  countenance,  which  glory  was  to  be  done 
away ;  how  fhall  not  the  miniitration  of  the  fpirit  be  ra- 
ther glorious  ?  For  if  the  minittration  of  condemnation  . 
be  glory,  much  more  doth  the  miniitration  of  righte- 
oufnefs  exceed  in  glory.  For  even  that  which  was  made 
glorious,  had  no  glory  in  this  refpect,  by  reafon  of  the 
glory  that  excelleth. 

(d)  Gal.  iii.  24.  Wherefore  the  law  was  our 
fchool-mafler  to  bring  us  unto  Chrift,  that  we  might  be 
juftiiied  by  faith. 

(e)  Rom.  xi.  6.  And  if  [election  be]  by  grace, 
then  is  it  no  more  of  works :  otherwife  grace  is  no 

-   .  more  - 


'art  VL  TheMelie-vet^s  Principles.  2.99 

As  mercy  Hands  from  merit  far? 
The  letter  and  the  fpirit  jar  (f). 

The  law  does  gofpel-comforts  harm, 
The  gofpel  breaks  the  legal  arm  (g); 
Yet  both  exalt  each  other's  horn, 
And  garlands  bring  their  heads  t'adorn  (bj. 

I  through  the  law  am  dead  to it, 
'  To  legal  works  and  felf- conceit  (i)  ; 
Yet  lo  !  through  gofpel -grace  I  live, 
And  to  the  law  due  honour  give  (kj. 

The 


more  grace.  But  if  it  be  of  works,  then  is  it  no  more 
-grace:   otherwife  work  is  no  more  work. 

(f)  2  Cor.  iii.  6. — The  letter  killeth,  but  the  fprit 
giveth  life. 

CgJ  Heb.  ii.  15.  And  deliver  them  who  through 
-fear  of  death  were  all  their  lifetime  fubject  to  bondage. 
■Philip,  iiio  7.  80  9.  But  what  things  were  gain  to  me, 
thofe  I  counted  lofs  for  Chriil.  Yea  doubtlefs,  and  I 
count  all  things  but  lofs,  for  the  excellency  of. the 
knowledge  ©f  Chrifi  Jefus  my  Lord :  for  whom  I  have 
fuffered  the  lofs  of  all  things,  and  do  count  fhem  but 
dung  that  I  may  win  Chriit.,  and  be  found  in  him,  not 
\having  mine  own  righteo&fnefs,  which  is  of  the  law, 
but  that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Chrifi,  the  righ- 
teoufnefs  which  is  of  God  by  faith. 

(b)  Gal.  ii.  19.  For  I  through  the  law  am  dead  to 
the  law,  that  I  might  live  unto  God . 

(i)  Rom.  vii.  §.  But  now  we  are  delivered  from  the 
law,  that  being  dead  wherein  we -were  held;  that  we 
mould  ferve  in  newnefs  of  fpirit,  and  not  in  the  oldnefs 
of  the  letter.  *v.  9.  Fori  was  alive  without  the  law 
once :  but  when  the  commandment  came,  fin  revived, 
and  I  died. 

(k)  Rom.  vii.  4.  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  ye  alfo 
are  become  dead  to  the  law  by  the  body  of  Chrift ; 
;that  ye  ihould  be  married  to  another,  eve*  to  him  who 

is 


300  G  0   S    ?  F.  L       SOK^TS, 

The  law  great  room  for  boaftinp-  makes 
But  grace  my  pride  and  boding  breaks  f/): 
Yet  all  my  boafts  the  law  ooes  kill  fmj       ^ 
And  grace  makes  room  to  boaft  my  Mlf„j. 

The  gofpel  makes  me  keep  the  law  fo) 
Yet  from  its  painful  fervice  draw  fp)  ; 
It  dees  all  law  demands  fulfil  f^, 


Ye 


is  raifed  from  the  dead,  that  we  mould   brin 
run  unto  God    C%  x.  4.  Chrift  is  the  en/of  th 
law  for  righteowfnefs  to  every  one  that  believeth 

r/;  W  i«.  27.  Where  is  boafting  then  ?  hh  ex- 

jlwoffakL"      w?  ofworks?  N^  but  b*  ^ 

r«;  Rom.  in-  19.  Now  we  know  that  what  thin?3 
foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are  under  & 
law:  that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and  all  the 
world  may  becqme  guilty  before  God. 

fn) 1  C*r.  ,\  29  30.3,  That  no  neih  mould  elo- 
ry  in  his  prefence.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  Chrift  Jefus, 
who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wifdom,  and  righteoufl 
nefs,  and  falsification,  -.nd  redemption  •  that  -ccor 
ding  as  it  is  written,  He  that  glorieth,  let  himtfory 
in  the  Lord.  6     ' 

fo)  Tit.  n.  11  12.  For  the  grace  of  God  that 
bnngethfalvauon  hath  appeared  to  all  men;  teaching 
us,  that  denying  ungodlinefs,  and  worldly  lulls,  we 
fliould  live  foberly,  righteoufly,  and  godly  in  this  pre- 
feat  world. 

fp)  GaLv  1.  Stand  fall  therefore  in  the  liberty 
wherewith  Chnft  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  in-' 
tangled  again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

(q)   Rom.  viii.   3.4.  For.  what  the  law  could   not' 
do,  m  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flem,  God  fendin<r . 
his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finfui  flefh,  and  for  Cm 
condemned   finin  the  flefh:  that  the  righteoufnefs  of 
the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the 
Heih,   but  after  the  Spirit. 


3*ART  VL  The  Believer's  Principles,  30 I 

Yet  make  them  wholly  void  and  null  (r). 

The  gofpel  gives  me  no  command  (f)f 
Yet  by  obeying  it  I  Hand  (s), 
To  Uriel:  obedience  thought  it  call  (/), 
Does  bind  to  none,  but  promife  all  (fc). 

The  law  does  foi&  commandment  give? 

C  c  That 


(r)  Rom.  vi.  14.  Sin  ih all  not  have  dominion  over 
'you :  for  ye  are  not  under  the  law-,  but  under  grace. 
Eta?,  iv.  4.  5.  But  when  the  fulnefs  of  the  time  was 
come,  G^dfent  forth  his  Son  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the 
law. 

(/)  Gal.  iii.  8.  And  the  fcripture  Forefeeing  that. 
God  would .  juftify  the  heathen  through  faith,  preached 
before  the  gofpel  unto  Abraham,  faying,  in  thee  mail 
all  nations  be  bleiTed, 

(/)  Mark  xvi.   16.  He  that  believe  th  and  is  baptir-.  , 
ed,  mail  be  faved. 

(/)  2  Tbef  i,  j.  8,  The  Lord  Jefas  mall  be  reveal- 
ed from  heaven,  with  his  mighty  angels,  in  flaming 
ire,  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God, 
md  that  obey  not  the  gofpel  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chriil. 

{u)  John  iii.  17.  God  fent  not  his  Son  into  the 
vorld  to  condemn  the  world;  but  that  the  world  thro' 
tim  might  be  faved.  Chap.  xii.  47,  And  if  any  man 
lear  my  words,  and  believe  not,  I  judge  him  not:  for 
came  not  to  judge  the  world,  but  to  lave  the  world. 
'&?.  viii.  10.  11.  12,  For  this  is  the  covenant  that  I 
nil  make  with  the  houfe  of  Ifrael  after  thofe  days, 
jiith  the  Lord;  I  will  put  my  laws  into  iheir  mind, 
nd  write  them  in  their  hearts,  and  I  will  be  to  them 
God,  and  they  mall  be  to  me  a  people.  And  they 
tali  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbour,  and  every  ' 
tan  his  brother,  faying,  Know  the  Lord:  for  all  fhall 
now  me,  from  the  leaf!  to  the  greateit.  For  I  will  be 
erciful  to  their  unrighteouihefs,  and  their  fins  and 
leir  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more. 


302.  Gospel     Sonnets. 

That  I  the  gofpel-ncws  believe  (^) ; 

But  yet  it  teaches  no  fuch  thing, 

Nor  e'er  could  gofpel-tidings  bring  (-iv). 

When  I  the  gofpel -truth  believe, 
Obedience  to  the  law  I  give  (x) ; 
/ill  when  I  don't  the  law  *  obferve, 
I  from  the  gofpel-method  fwerve  (j). 

Yer,  if  I  do  the  law  f  obey, 

I  am  not  in  the  gofcel-way  («), 

Which  does  to  new  obedience  draw  (a) : 


Yet 


{v)  John  iii.  1 8.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not 
condemned  :  but  he  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned 
alreadv,  becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of 
the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 

(n/*  Rom.  x.  5.  For  Mofes  defcribeth  the  righteouf- 
nefs  which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man  which  doth 
thofe  things,  (hall  live  by  them.  Chap.  iii.  19.  Now 
we  know  that  what  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith 
to  them  who  are  under  tire  law  :  that  every  mouth  may 
he  flopped,  and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  be- 
fore God. 

(x)  John  iii.   i3.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not 
J  condemned. 

*    As  it  is  a  rule. 

(j)   Tit.  ii.    11.    12.    See  letter  (o)forecited. 
f    As  it  is  a  covenant. 

{%)  Gal.  v.  3.  4.  For  I  teftify  again  to  every  man 
that  is  circumciied,  that  he  is  a  debtor  to  do  the  whole 
law.  Chriit  is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you,  whofoever 
of  you  are  juftified  by  the  law;  ye  are  fallen  from 
grace. 

{a)  Horn,  xvi     25.   26.— The  myftery  which     was 
kept  fecretfince  the  world  began, — now  ii   made  rr.a- 
nifeit,  and  by  the  fcriptures  of  the  prophets,  according  I 
to  the  commandment  of  the  everlafting  God,   Kiade 
known  to  all  nations  for  the  obedience  of  faith. 


Fart  VI.         N     The  Believer's  Principles,  303 

Yet  is  the  gofpel  no  new  iavv  (#), 

All  precepts  to  the  law  belong, 
Yet  in  the  gcfpel-field  are  throng, (c). 
Curs' a  ev'ry  gofpel-flightcr  is  (d), 
Yet  all  its  oihce  is  to  blefs  '  s) . 

'C  c  2  It 


(b)  Gal.  iii.  21.  Is  the  law  then  againft  the  pro- 
miles  of  God  ?  God  forbid  :  for  if  there  had  been  a  law 
given  which  could  have  given  life,  verily  righteoufnefs 
would  have  been  by  the  law. 

(c)  Matth.  v.  1,7. — 48.  Think  not  that  I  am  come 
to  deftroy  the  law  or  the  prophets :  I  am  not  come  to 
defrroy,  but  to  fulfil.  For  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  Till 
heaven  and  earth  pafs,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  mall  in  no 
wife  pofs  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled,  &c.  PfaL 
cxix.  96.  I  have  feen  an  end  of  all  perfection  j  but  thy 
commandment  is  exceeding  broad. 

(«0  Heb.  x.  26,  27.  28.  29.  For  if  we  iin  wilfully 
after  that  we  have  received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  - 
there  remaineth  no  more  facrifice  for  fins,  but  a  certain 
fearful  looking  for  of  judgment,  and  fiery  indignation, 
which  fhall  devour  the  adverfaries.  He  that  defpifed 
Mofes  law,  died  without  mercy,  under  two  or  three 
witneffes :  of  how  much  forer  puniihment,  fuppofe  ye, 
fhall  he  be  thought  worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under 
foot  the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  counted  the  blood  of 
the  covenant,  wherewith  he  was  fanftified,  an  unholy 
thing,  and  hath  done  defpite  unto  the  Spirit  of  grace  ? 
Chap.  xii.  25.  See  that  ye  refufe  not  him  that  fpeak- 
eth :  For  if  they  efcaped  not  who  refufed  him  that 
fpake  on  earth,  much  more  fhall  not  we  efcape,  if  we 
turn  away  from  him  that  fpeaketh  from  heaven. 

O)  Rom.  xv.  29.  And  I  am  fure  that  when  I  come 
unto  you,  I  fhall  come  in  the  fulnefs  of  the  bleliing  of 
the  gofpel  of  Chrift.  Acls  i\i.  26.  Unto  you  firfl,  God 
having  raifed  up  his  Son  Jefus,  fent  him  to  blefs  you,  in 
turning  away  every  one  of  you  from,  his  iniquities-; 


3^4  G  ©  S    P   li  L       S  0  N  K   E   T   S. 

It  from  the  law  has  pow'r  to  kill  (/), 
Yet /awing  does  its  pow'r  fulfil  (g) : 
No  favour  but  of  life  it  hath  (h), 
Yet  moil  the  favour  is  of  death  (/'). 

Weaknefs  perfection  doth  exclude, 
The  law  is  perfect,  juft,  and  good  '\k)  :: 
Yet  can  it  nothin gperfefi  make, 
But  all  the  comers  to  it  break  (/). 


Strength 


(/)  John  iii.   18. — He  that  believeth  not,  is    con- 
demned  already,  becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  in    the 
name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God.  Mark  xvi.  16. 
—He  that  believeth  not,  InaH  be  damned.  Heb.  ii.   3. 
How  {Hall  we  efcape  if  we  neglect  fo  great  falvation  ? 

(g)  Eph.  i.    13.  In   Chrill  ye  alfo  truiled  after  that  I 
ye  heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gofpel  of  your  falva-  | 
rion.    1    Tim.  i.   15.  This   is   a   faithful    faying,    and 
worthy  of  all  acceptation,,  that  Chrilt  Jefus  came  into 
the  world  to  fave  fmners ;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

(h)   Philip,  ii.    16.   Holding  forth  the  word  of  life, 
C5V.   2  Tim.  i.    1.  Paul  an  apcftle  of  jefus  Chrift  by  the 
wilj  of  God,  according  to  the  promife  of  life,  which  is 
in   Chrift  Jefus.  v.    10. — Our  Saviour  jefus  Chrilt — ■ 
ha:h    abolished  death,  and  ha.h  brought  life    and  im- 
mortality to  Light,  through  the  gofpel. 

/')  1   Ccr.  Ii.    16.  To  the  one  we  are  the  favour    of 
h  unto  death,  tyc. 

Pfai.  cxix.  96.  I   have  feen  an  end  of  all  per- 

;    but  thy  commandment  is  exceeding  broad. 

12.  Wherefore   the    law  is    holy;  and  the 

.     .    .......   Ent  holy,  and  juft,  and   good.  Heb.    vii.. 

he  law  made  nothing  perfect,  but  the   bring- 
of  a  better  hope  did';  by  the  which   we  draw 
nigh  untc  Gad. 

(/)  Ihb.  vii.    :o.   See   letter  (k).   Chat.  x.   1.    For 

the  law  having  a  feadow  of  good  things  to  come,  and 

not  the  very  image  of  the  things,  can  never  with  thofe 

facrlf.ces  which  they  offered  year  by  year  continually, 

ake  th  e  comers  thereunto  perfect. 


f  a R T  VI.  T&*  Believer 's    Principles . 

Strength  to  the  gofpel  does  belong. 
Mighty  through  God  it  is,  and  ftrong  (<%} 
It  to, the  law  does  ftrengt-h  emit, 
Yet 'tis  the  law  gives  ilrength  to  it. 

The  gofpel  gives  the  law,  I  Tee, 
Sufficient  ftrength  to  juitify(«)l     " 
Yet  may  I  fay,  in  truth  it  is 
The  law  that  gives  the  gofpel  this  (o), 


305 


For  as  the  law  no  finner  clears, 
But  who  the  gofpel- garment  wears  j 
So  none  are  ju.irify'd  by  -grace, 
Unlefs  the  law-demand  have  place  (/•). 

C    G     % 


(m)  Rom.  i.  16.  For  I  am  not  afhamed'of  the  gel- 
pel  of  Ch rift  :  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  falva- 
tion,  to  every  one  that  believeth,  to  the  Jew  fir£,  and 
alfo  to  the  Greek.  2  Cor.  x.  4,.  5.  For  the  weapon : 
•of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through  God 
to  the-puliing  down  of  ftrong  holds:  calling  down  i 
inaginations,  and  every  high  thing  that  exalteth  itftli" 
■gainii  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  bringing  into  cap- 
tivity every  thought  to  the  obedience  of  Chrift.- 

(n)  Rom.  viii.  3.  There  is  therefore  now  no  con- 
demnation to  them  which  are  in  Chrift  Jem's,  who  walk 
not  after  the  flefh ,  but  after  the  Spirit.  <v,  3.  4.  For 
what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  thro' 
the  fieih,  God  fending  his  own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of 
fmful  flefh,  and  -  for  fin  condemned  fin  in  the'  ileih  : 
that  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in 
us,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit* 

0)  Rom.  iii,  31  .  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law 
through  faith  ?  God  forbid  ;  yea,  we  eftablifh  the 
law.  Chap.  x.  4.  For '.Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for 
righteoufnefs  to  every  one  that  believeth, 

(/)  Rom.  iii.  19.  2c.  21.  22.  Now  we  know  that 
what  things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who 
are  under  the  law  ;  that  Q\rcry  mouth  may- be  flopped, 

and- 


306  Gospel     S  o.n  nets. 

-Again  the  law,  which  yet  feems  worfe, 
Gives  gof^el-news  condemning  force  (7); 
Yet  they  are  news  that  never  can, 
Nor  ever  will  condemn  a  man  (r). 

Dread  threat'nings  to  the  law  pertain  (j), 
Not  to  the  gofpel's  golden  chain  (/) : 


Yet 


and  all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God. 
Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  mall  no  flem 
be  juHified  in  his  fight:  for  by  the  law.  is  the  know- 
ledge of  fin.  But  1  ow  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  without 
the  law  is  manifefted,  being  witnefTed  by  the  law  and 
the  prophets  ;  even  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  which  is 
by  faith  of  Jefas  Chrift  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 
believe;  for  there  is  no  difference.  Chap.  v.  19. — By 
the  obedience  of  one  fhail  many  be  made  righteous.  <v. 
21.—- Grace  reigns  through  righteoufnefs  unto  eternal 
life,  by  Jcfus  Chrift  our  Lord. 

(?)  John  iii.  18.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not 
condemned:  but  he  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned 
already,  becauie  he  hath  net  believed  in  the  name  of 
the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 

{r)  Luke  11.  10.  11.  And  the  angel  faid  unto  them 
[the  fhepherds],  Fear  not:  for  behoid,  I  bring  you 
good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  fliall  be  to  all  people. 
For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David,  a 
or,  which  is  Chrift  the  Lord.  John  iii.  17.  For 
God  fent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to  condemn  the 
world;  but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be  faved. 
Chap.  xii.  47.  And  if  any  man  hear  my  words,  and 
believe  not,  I  judge  him  not:  for  I  came  not  to  judge 
trie  world,  but  to  fave  the  world. 

(s)  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of 
the  law,  are  under  thecurfe:  for  it  is  written,  Curfed 
is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are 
written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

(/)  Acts  xiii.  26.  Men  and  brethren,  children  of 
the  Hock  of  Abraham,  and  whofoever  among  you  fcar- 
cth  Gcd,  to  you  is  the  word  of  this  falvation  fent. 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's   Principles,  307 

Yet  all  law-threats  and  Sinai's  ire 
To  gofpel-grace  are  walls  of  nre  [it). 

The  righteous  law  afToileth  none 
Qf  Adam's  guilty  race,   fave  one  (<z/)  5 
Who  being  guilty,  for  this  caufe 
By  God's  jufl  law  condemned  was  (w). 


Yet  free  of  guilt  it  did  him  fee ; 

Hence  fully  clear'd,  and  fet  him  free  (*) : 


Yet, 


(u)  Mark  xvi.    160- — He  that  believeth  not,  mall  be 
.  damned.  Heb.  ii.  3.  How  mall  we  efcape  if  we  neglect 
fo  great  fal  vation  ?   Chap.  x.   26.   27.   28.  29.  See  letter 
.  {&)forecited. 

(v)   Rom.  v.    19    For  as  by  one  man's  difobedience 

many  were  made  iinners :  fo  by  the  obedience  of  one 

fhall    many  be  made  righteous.  John  xvii.   4.  I    have 

:  glorified    thee  on  the  earth :  I  have  finished    the  work 

which  thou  gaveft  me  to  do. 

(w)  I/.  Hii.  6.- — The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  in- 
iquity qf  us  all.  Gal.,  iii.  13.  Chriit  hath  redeemed  us 
from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curie  for  us: 
for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on  a 
tree. 

{x)  TTeL  vii.  26.  For  fach  an  high  prieft  became  us, 
who  is  holy,  harmlefs,  undefiled,  feparate  from  fin- 
ners,  and  made  higher  than  the  heavens.  Dan.  ix.  24. 
Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon  thy  people,  and 
upon  thy  holy  city,  to  fmifh  the  tranfgreffion,  and  to 
make  an  end  of  fins,  and  to  make  reconciliation  for  in- 
iquity, and  to  bring  in  everlafling  rlghteoufnefs,  and  to 
feal  up  the  viiion  and  prophecy,  and  to  anoint  the  moit 
hoiy.  1  Tim.  iii.  16.  And  without  controversy,  great 
is  the  myftery  of  godlinefs :  God  was  manifeil  in  the 
flelh,  juftified  in  the  Spirit,  feen  of  angels,  preached 
unto  the  Gentiles,  believed  on  in  the  world,  received 
up  into  glory.  Rom  .  ii.  13.  For  not  the  hearers  of  the 
law  arejuft  before  God,  but  the  doers  of  the  law  fhali 

be 


JOS  &  OS   P  EL       S  ON  N   E,T   i 

Yet,  had  not  guilt  his  foul  involv'd, 
By  law  he  could  not  been  abfolv'd  {y)» 

But  he  withal  condemn'^  and  fpoil'd 
The  law  of  works,  which  him  afibil'd  («) : 
And  now  the  law  is  (in  thefe  views) 
The  marrow  of  the  gofpel-news  (#). 

The  lav/  canjuflify  no  man 
That  is  a  finner  {i>)t  yet  it  can 

Tha 


be  juflified.  If  1.  8.  He  is  near  that  jutfifieth  me,  who 
will  contend  with  me?  let  us  Hand  together:  who  is 
mine  adyerfary  ?  let  him  come  near  to  me. 

(j)  2  Cor.  v.  2i.  God  hath  made  Chrifl  to  be  fin 
for  us,  who  knew  no  fm  ;  that  we  might  be  made  the 
righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.  I  Pet.  iii.  18.  Chrift 
hath  once  fufFeredfor  fins,  the  jufl  for  theunjuft,  [that 
he  might  bring  us  to  God],  being  put  to  death  in  the 
flefbf  biit  quickened  by- the  Spirit. 

(x)  Col.  ii.  14.  15.  Blotting  out  the  hand-writing 
of  ordinances  that  was  agai nil  us,  which  was  contrary 
to  us,  and  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to  his 
crofs  :  and  having  fpoiled  principalities  and  powers,  he 
made  a  fnew  of  them  openly,  taiumphing  over  them 
in  it.  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in 
that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  fending  his 
own  Son,  in  the  likenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for  fin 
condemned  fm  in  the  fie  ill. 

(a)  Rom.  v.  4.  For  Chrift  is  the  end  of  the  law  for 
righteoufnefs  to  every  one  that  beiieveth.  If  xlv.  24. 
Surely,  mail  one  fay,  in  the  Lord  have  I  righteoufnefs 
and  ftrength.  Jer.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah  mall  be 
faved,  ani  Ifrael  (hall  dwell  fafelv:  and  this  is  his 
name  whereby  he  mail  be  called,  T  H  E  LOR  D 
OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

(b)  Rom.  iii.  19.  20.  Now  we  know  that  what 
things  foever  the  law  faith,  it  faith  to  them  who  are 
-ander  the  law ; .  that  every  mouth  may  be  flopped,  and 

all  - 


Part  VI.  2" "he- Believer's  Principles*  309 

Thus  favour  finful  men,  and  fre« 
The  chief  of  finners,  guilty  me  (*) 

Tlie  gofpel  too  acquitteth  none 
That  have  not  put  perfection  on  (d) ; 
And  yet  it  cleareth  none  (I  grant) 
But  thofe  who  all  perfection  want  (e). 

Thofe  that-  with  gofpel-clearance  meet, 
Mud  by  the  law  be  found  compleat  (/}  1 

Yet 


all  the  world  may  become  guilty  before  God.  There- 
fore by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there  fa  all  no  flefh  be  jus- 
tified in  his  fight:  for  by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of 
fin. 

(«.-)  The  law  of  nxjerks  as  fulfilled  by  Chrijl  can  and  does 
foy  Rom.  viii.  3.  4..  For  what  the  law  could  not  do> 
in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  flefh,  God  fending  his 
own  Son,  in  the  liken efs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for  fin 
condemned  fin  in  the  flefh:  that  the  righteoafnefs  of" 
the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the- 
fkfh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  <v.  3-3.  34.  Who  mail  lay 
any  thing  to  the  charge  of  God's  elect?  It  is  God  that 
juitifieth:  who  is  he  that  condemneth?  It  is  Chriil  that 
died,  yea  rather,  that  is  rifen  again,  who  is  even  at  the 
right  hand  of  God,  who.aifo  rnaketh  inter cefBon  fer 
us. 

(d)  Rom,  ill.  21.  22.  But  now  the  righfeoumefs  of 
God  without  the  law  is  manifefted,  being  vv'itnefTed  by 
the  law  and  the  prophets  ;  even  the  righteouf.iefs  of 
God  which  is  by  faith  of  Jefus  Chrifl  unto  all,  and  up-, 
on  all  them  that  believe;  for  there  is  no  difference. 

(e)  Rc-rK.iv.  5.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but 
believeth  on  him  that  juilifieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is 
counted  for  righteoufnefs. 

(f)  \  Ccr.  i.  30.  Bat  of  him  are  ye  in  Chriii  Jefus, 
who  of  God  is  made  unto  us  wiKlom,  and  righteouf- 
nefs, and  fanctification,  and  redemption.  Col.  ii.  10; 
And  ye  are  compleat  in  him,  which  is  the  head  of.  all; 
principality  and  power.. 


31°  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Yet  never  could  (again  I  grant) 
The  gofpel  juftify  a  faint  (g). 


All  perfect  perfons  it  controls  (h), 

And! 


(g)  Mattb.  ix.  13. — I  am  not  come  to  call  the  righ-r 
teous,  but  finners  to  repentance.  Rom.  iii.    10..  There! 
is  none  righteous,  no  not  one.   Chap.  ix.   30.   31..   32.  J 
What  mail  we  fay  thei?  ?  That  the  Gentiles  which  fol-j 
lowed  not  after  righteoufnefs,  have  attained  to   righte-| 
oufnefr,  even  the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  faith  :  but  t 
Jfrael,  which  followed  after  the  law  of  righteoufnefs,! 
hath  not  attained  to  the  law  of  righteoufnefs.  Where- 
fore ?  Becaufe,  they  fought  it  not  by  faith,  but  as   it 
were   by  the  works   of  the    law.  Chap.  x.   3.    Ifrasl 
being  ignorant  of  God's  righteoufnefs,  and  goin^  a- 
bout  to  etfablifh  their  own  righteoufnefs,  have  not  fub- 
mitted  themfelves  unto  the  righteoufnefs  'of  God.    1 
Tim.  i.    15.   This  is  a  faithful  faying,  and  worthy  of  all 
acceptation,  that   Chrift  Jefus  came  into  the  world   to. 
fave  iinners;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 

(£)  Malta,  xxi.  31.  Jefus  faith  unto  them  [the  Pha- 
rifees],  Verily  J  fay  unto  you,  that  the  publicans  and 
the  harlots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you. 
Luke  xviii.  9.— ^14.  And  jefus  fpake  this  parable  unto' 
certain  which  truued  in  themfelves  that  they  were 
righteous,  and  defpifed  others :  Two  men  went  up  into 
the  temple  to  pray ;  the  one  a  Pharifee,  and.the  other 
a  publican.  The  Pharifee  flood  and  prayed,  thjus  with 
himfeif,  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  I  am  not  as  other 
men  are,  extortioners,  unjuit,  adulterers,  or  even  as 
this  publican.  I  fail  twice  in  the  week,  I  give  tithes  of: 
all  that  I  pofTefs.  And  the  publican  Handing  afar  off, 
would  not  lift  up  fo  much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven,  but 
fmote  upon  his  breaft,  faying,  God  be  merciful  to  me 
a,  fmner.  X  tell  you,  this  man  went  down  to  his  houfer 
juftiiied  rather  than  the  other :  for  every  one  that  exal- 
teth  himfeif,  mall  be  abafed;  and  he  that  humbleth 
himfeif,  mall  be  exalted.  >v.  21.  22.  And  he  [the  ru- 
ler]. 


Part.   VI.  The  Relkver's  Principles.  311 

Andjuflifics  ungodly  foals  (i) ; 
Yet  ftill  no  man  its  grace  partakes, 
But  whom  it  truly  godly  makes  (i). 


The  law  withftands  the  gofpel-path  (/), 


Which 


ler]  laid,  All  thefe  have  I  kept  from  my  youth  upe 
Now  when  Jefus  heard  thefe  things,  he  faid  unto  him, 
Yet  lacked  thou  one  thing  :  fell  all  that  thou  hail,  and 
difiributa  unto  the  pocr,  and  thou  (halt  have  treafure  ia 
heaven  :  and  come,  follow  me. 

(z)  Rom.  iv.  5.  6.  To  him  that  worketh  not,  but 
believeth  on  him  thatjuilitieth  the  ungodly,  his  faith  is 
counted  for  righteoufnefs.  Even  as  David  alio  defcrib- 
eth  the  bleiTednefs  of  the  man  unto  whom  Godimput- 
eth  righteoufnefs  without  works. 

(i)  Tit.  ii.  11.  12.  13.  14.  The  grace  of  God  that 
bringeth  falvation,  hath  appeared  to  ail  men ;  teaching 
•us,  that  denying  ungodliaefs,  and  worldly  lufts,  we 
fhouidlive  foberly,  righteoufly,  and  godly  in  this  pre- 
lent  world:  Lsoking  for  t;>at  bleiled  hope,  and  the  crlo- 
rious  appearing  of  the  great  God,  a  >d  ©ur  Saviour  Je- 
fus Chrift  :  who  gave  himfeif  for  us,  that  Its  might  re- 
deem us  from  ail  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  himfelf  a 
peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works.  Chap.  iii.  4. 
5.  After  that  the  kindnefs  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour 
toward  man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  righteoufnefs* 
which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he 
faved  us  by  the  warning  of  regeneration,  and  renewing 
of  the  Ko!v  Ghoft.  *r .  8.  Thisis.a  faithful  faying, 
and  thefe  things  I  will  that  thou  affirm  conitantly,  that 
they  which  have  believed  in  God,  might  be  careful  to 
maintain  good  works :  thefe  things  are  good  and  profi- 
table unto  men. 

(/)  1  Ccr.  xv*.  56.— The  flrength  of  finis  the  law. 
Rom.vi.  14.  Sin  mall  not  have  dominion  over  you  : 
for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Chap. 
x.  3.  Ifrael- being  ignorant  of  God's  righteoufnefs,  and 
|omg  about  to  eilablim  their  own  righteoufnefs,  have 
not  fubmitted  thtmfeives  unto  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 


I*  'G  ■©  s  "p  £  l     Sonnets 

Which  yet  its  approbation  hath  O) : 
Thegofpel  thwarts  the  legal  way  ■», 
Yet  will  approve  the  law  for  ay  («;. 

Hence  though  the  gofpel's  comely  frame 
Doth  openly  the  law  condemn  (/)  j 


Yet 


(m)  If.  xlii.  21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleafed  for  his 
righteoufnefs  fake,  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make 
it  honourable.  Mattb.  iii.  17.  And  lo,  a  voice  from 
heaven,  faying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I 
am  well  pleafed.  , 

O)  Rom.  ix.  31.  32.  33,  But  Ifrael,  which  fol- 
lowed after  the  law  of  righteoufnefs,  hath  not  attained 
to  the  law  of  righteoufnefs.  Wherefore?  Becaufe  they 
fought  it  not  by  faith,  but  as  it  were  by  the  works  of 
the  law  :  for  they  Humbled  at  that  ftumbling-ftone ;  as 
it  is  written,  Behold,  I  lay  in  oion  a  ftumbling-ftone* 
•and  rock  of  offence  :  and  whofoeverbelieveth  on  him, 
mall  not  be  alhamed. 

(0)  Rom.  vii.  7.  What  mail  we  fay  then?  Ts  the  law 
finr  God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known  fin,  but  by 
the  law  :  for  I  had  not  known  lull,  except  the  law  had 
faid,  Thou  fhalt  not  covet,  -v.  10.  And  the  com- 
mandment which  was  ordained  to  life,  I  found  to  be 
unto  death.  <v.  12.  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy;  and 
the  commandment  holy,   andjuil,  and  good. 

(/>  Rom.  x.  $s  6.  7.  8.  9.  For  Mofes  defcribeth 
the  righteoufnefs  which  is  of  the  law,  That  the  man 
which  doth  tkofe  things,  mall  live  by  them.  But  the 
righteoufnefs  which  is  of  faith  fpeaketh  on  this  wife., 
Say  not  in  thine  heart,  Who  fhali  afcendinto  heaven  ? 
[that  is,  to  bring  Chrift  down  from  above]  :  or,  Wl\o 
(hall  defcend  into  the  deep  ?  [that  is,  to  bring  up  Chrift 
again  from  the  dead].  But  what  faith  if?  The  word  is  - 
nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy  heart:  that 
is  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preack,  That  il  thou 
fhalt  confeis  with  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  malt 
believe  in  thine  heart,  that  God  hath  raifed  kim  from 
the  dead,  thou  malt  be  faved.  . 


Part  VL  The  Believer's  Principles.  313 

Yet  Jhey  are  blind,  who  never  Taw 
The  gofpel  juftify  the  law  (f> 

Thus  gofpel-gr&ce,  and  law-commands, 
Both  bind  and  loofe  each  other's  hands  r 
They  can't  agree  on  any  terms  (r), 
Yet  hug  each  other  in  their  arms  (/). 

Thofe  that  divide  them,  cannot  be 
The  friends  of  truth  and  verity  (*); 

D  d  Yet 


{q)  Rom.  iii.  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law 
trough  faith?  God  forbid :  yea,  we  ertablifh  the  law. 
(r)  Gal.  iv.  21.'*—  26.  Tell  me,  ye  that  defire  to  be 
-under  the  law,  do  ye  not  hear  the  law?  For  it  is  writ- 
ten, that  Abraham  had  two  fons ;  the  one  by  a  bond- 
maid, the  other  by  a  free-woman.  But  he  who  was  of 
"the  bond-woman,  was  born  after  the  flefh :  but  he  of 
the  free-woman  was  by  promife.  Which  things  are  an 
allegory ;  for  thefe  are  the  two  covenants  :  the  one  from 
the  mount  Sinai,  which  gendereth  to  bondage,  which 
is  Agar.  For  this  Agar  i?  mount  Sinai  in  Arabia,  and 
anfwereth  to  J-erufalem  which  now  is,  and  is  in  bon- 
dage with  her  children.  But  Jerufalem  which  is  above, 
-is  free,  which  is  the  mother  of  us  all. 

(/")  Pfal.  lxxxv.   \z.  Mercy  and  truth  are  met   to- 
gether: righteoufnefs  and  peace  have  kiffed  each  other. 
(s)  Matth.  xxiii.   23.  Woe   unto  you,  fcribes  and 
Pharifees,  hypocrites;  for    ye  pay  tithe  of  mint,  and 
-anife,  and  cummin,  and  have  omitted  the   weightier 
matters  of  the  law,  judgment,  mercy,  and  faith :  thefe 
ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other   un- 
done. R.t,u  ii.   23.  Thou  that  makeft  thy  boaft  of  the 
law,    through   breaking   the  law,  difhonourelt     thou 
God?  v.   25.  26.  For  circumcifion  verily  pro'flteth,  if 
•thou  keep  the  law  :  but  if  thou  be  a  breaker  of  the  law, 
thy  circumcifion  is  made  uncircumcifion.  Therefore, 
if  the  uncircamcifion  keep  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law, 
ihall  not  his  uncircumcifion  be  counted   for  cireumci- 

fion  ? 


M4  GOSFEL       SONNLTS. 

Yet  thofe  that  dare  confound  the  two, 
Deilroy  them  both,  and  gender  woe  (/). 

,  This  paradox  non  can  decipher, 
That  plow  not  with  the  gofpel-heifer. 


SECT. 


iion?  Mattb.  xix.  6.  What  God  hath  joined  together, 
let  not  man  put  afunder.  Chap.  iii.  15.  Andjefusan- 
fvvering,  faid  unto  him  [John],  Suffer  it  to  be  fo  nc*v  : 
for  thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfil  all  rigliteoufnefs. 
Then  he  fuffered  him.  Chap.  v.  17.  Think  not  that  I 
am  come  to  deftroy  the  law  or  the  prophets  :  I  am  not 
come  to  deftroy,  but  to  fulfil,  v.  19.  20.  Whofoever 
therefore  {hall  break  one  of  thefe  leaft  commandments, 
and  mall  teach  men  fo,  he  fhall  be  called  the  leaft  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven:  but  whofoever  fhall  do,  and 
teach  them,  the  fame  fhall  be  called  great  in  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.  For  I  fay  unto  you,  That  except  your 
rigliteoufnefs  fhall  exceed  the  righteoufnefs  of  the 
fcribes  and  Pharifees,  ye  fhall  in  no  cafe  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  1  John  v.  6.  This  is  he  that  came 
by  water  and  blood,  even  Jefus  Chrift  j  not  by  water 
only,  but  by  water  and  blood  :  and  it  is  the  Spirit  that 
beareth  witnefs,  becaufe  the  Spirit  is  truth. 

(t)  Gal.  i.  6.  7.  B.  I  marvel,  thatyearefo  foon 
removed  from  him  that  called  you  into  the  grace  of 
Chrift,  unto  another  gofpel:  which  is  not  another: 
but  there  be  fome  that  trouble  you,  ancf  would  pervert 
the  gofpel  of  Chrift.  But  though  we,  or  an  angel  from 
heaven,  preach  any  other  gofpel  unto  you,  than  that 
which  we  have  preached  unto  you,  let  him  be  accurfed. 
Zph.  i.  4- — -I  will  cut  ofF — v.  5. — them  r^it  wor- 
fhlp,  and  that  iv/ear  by  the  Lord,  and  that  .\.  ear  by 
Malchara.  d<2sxv.  7.  And  when  there  had  been  much 
disputing,  Peter  rofe  up  and  faid  unto  them,  Men  and 
brethren,  ye  know  how  that  a  good  while  ago,  God 
made  choice  among  us,  that  the  Gentiles  by  my  mouth 
fnould  hear  the  word  of  the  gofpel,  and. -believe,  -v. 
10.    II.  Now   therefore   why  tempt  ye  dod,  to  put  "a 

yoke 


Part   VI.  The  Believer's  Principles,  315 

SECT.     II. 

The  difference  betwixt  the  Law  and  the   Gofpe-L 

THE  law,  fuppofmg  I  have  all. 
Does  ever  for  ferfetiion  call : 
The  gofpel  fuits  my  total  want, 
■    And  all  the  law  can  feek  does  grant. 

The  law  could  promife  life  to  me, 
If  my  obedience  perfect  be  : 
But  grace  does  promife  life  upon 
My  Lord's  obedience  alone. 

The  law  fays,  Do,  and  life  you'll  win^ 
But  grace  fays,  Li<ve,  for  all  is  dons? 
The  former  cannot  eafe  my  grief, 
The  Utter  yields  me  full  relief. 

By  law  convinced  of  finful  breach, 
By  gofpel-grace  I  comfort  reach : 
The  dhe  my  condemnation  bears. 
The.  other  juf if  'es  and  clears. 

The  law  mews  my  arrears  are  great, 
The  gofpel  freely  pays  my  debt : 
The  firft  does  me  the  bankrupt  curfe, 
The  laft  does  blefs  and  fill  my  purfe, 

The  law  will  not  abate  a  mite, 
The  gofpel  all  the  fum  will  quite : 

D'd   2  There 


yoke  upon  the  neck  of  the  difciples,  which  neither  our 
fathers  nor  we  were  able  to  bear?  But  we  believe  that 
through  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  we  mall  be 
faved  even  as  they.  Gal.  v.  1.  Stand  faft  therefore  in 
the  liberty  wherewith  Chrift  hath  made  us  free,  and  be 
not  intangled  again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage.  *v.  4. 
Chrift  is  become  of  no  effect  unto  you,  whofcever  of 
}cu  areji.fiif.cd  by  the  kw;  ye  are  fallen  frcm.grf.ee,  ! 


To  Gospel     Sonnets 

There  God  in  threat*  nirigsh  array 'd? 
But  here  in  premi/ss  difplay'd. 

The  law  and  gofpel  difagree, 
Like  Hagar,  Sarah,  bond  and  free  , 
The  former's  Hagar\  fervitude, 
The  latter  Sarah's  happy  brood. 

To  Sinai  black,  and  Zion  fair, 
The  word  does  law  and  grace  compare. 
Their  c«rfmg  and  their  blefiing  vie 
With  Ebal  and  Gerizzim  high. 

The  law  excludes  not  boafiing  vain, 
But  rather  feeds  it  to  my  bane  : 
But  gofpel-giwe  allows  no  boa/is, 
Save  in  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hoils. 

The  law  itill  irritates  my  fin, 
And  hardens  my  proud  heart  therein; 
But  grace's  melting  pow'r  renews, 
And  my  corruption  Arongfubdues. 

The  law  with  thunder,   S/ff<z;-like, 
Does  always  dread  and  terror  fpeak  : 
The  gofpel  makes  a  joyful  noife, 
And  charms  me  with  a  fill,  calm  'voice. 

The  legal  trumpet  war  proclaims, 
In  wrathful  threats,  and  fire,  and  flames 
The  gofpel  -pipe,  a  peaceful  found, 
Which  fpreads  a  kindly  breath  around. 

The  law  is  nveak  through  fmful  flefh, 
The  gofpel  brings  recruits  a/reih: 
The  nrit  a  killing  letter  wears, 
The  laii  a  quick'' 'ningfpirit  bears. 

The  law  that  feeks  perfection's  height,  t 
Yet  gives  no  Strength,  nor  offers  might ; 


But 


Pa*T  VI.  The' Believer's  Principles^ 

But  precious  gofpel-tidings  glad 
Declare  where  all  is  to  be  had. 

From  me  alone  the  law  does  crave, 
What  grace  affirms  in  Ckrift  I  have: 
When  therefore  law-purfuits  inthraL, 
I  fend  the  lav/  to  grace  for  alL 

The  law  brings  terror  to  moleft,     - 
The  gofpel  gives  the  weary  reft  f 
The  one  does  flags  of  death  difplay3 
The  other  ihews  the- /«*/»£  way. 

The  law  by  'Mojes  was  expreft, 
The  glorious  gofpel  came  by  Chrijl .' 
The  firft  dim  nature's  light  may  trace. 
The  laft  is  only  known  by  grace. 

The  law  may  roufe  me  from  my  floth, 
To  faith  and  to  repentance  both, 
And  though  the  law  cotnmandith  each? 
Yet  neither  of  them  can  it  teach  % 

Nor  will  accept  for  current  coin 
The  duties  which  it  does  enjoin  %     ' 
Ixfeeks  all,  but  accepts  no  lefs 
Than  conftant,  perfect  righteoufnels, 

The  gofpel,  on  the  other  hand,'    , 
Although  it  iffue  no  command. 
But  ftridtly  view'd,  does  whole  c©nM 
In  promt  fes  and  offers  bleftj     « 

Yet  does  it  many  duties  teach,    • 
Which  legal  light  could  never  reach! 
Thus  faith,  repentance,  and  the  like*     • 
Are  fire  that  gofpel  engines  irrike. 

They  have  acceptance  here,  through  gracfy 
The  law  affords tber^  no  fuch  placet  « 

D  d  3  1Tct 


Gosptt     So 


N    fc'  E   T   S< 


Vet  ftill  they  come  through  both  their  hands, 

Through  goi'pd-leachings,  Im- commands.. 

The  law's  a  houfe  of  bondage  fore, 
The  gofpel  opes  the  priion-door: 
The  hrft  me  hamper* din  its  net, 
The  hR.  at  freedom  kindly  fet. 

The  precept  craves,  the  gofpel  £*-t/*j  ; 
While  that  me  prtffes,  this  relieves ; 
And  or  affords  the  flrength  I  lack, 
Or  takes  the  burden  off  my  back.. 

The  law  requires  on  pain  of  death, 
The  gofpel  courts  with  loving  breath. 
While  that  conveys  a  deadly  wound, 
This  makes  me  perfect,  whole  and  found, 

There  viewing  how  difeas'dl  am, 
I  here  perceive  the  healing  balm  ; 
Afflicted  there  with  fenfe  of  need,. 
But  here  refrefh'd  with  meet  remeds. 

The  law's  a  charge  for  what  I  owe, 
The  gofpel  my  dif charge  to  mow  : 
The  one  a  icene  of  fears  doth  ope, 
The  other  is  the  door  of  hope. 

An  angry  God  the  law-reveal'd. 
The  gofpel  mews  him  reconciled: 
By  that  J  know  he  was  diJpleas,Jtr 
By  this  I  fee  his  wrath  a/peas'd* 

The  law  thus  (hews  the  divine  ire, 
And  nothing  butconfuming  fire; 
The    ofpel  brings  the  olive-branch, 
And  blood  the  burning  fire  to  quench. 

The  law  ftill  (hews  a  fiery  face, 
The  gofpel  (hews  a  throne  of  grace  s  . 


There 


T 


Fart  VI.  The  Believer's  Principle:,  i§ 

T here jujf  tee  rides  alone  in  (late*. 
But  here  (he  takes  the  mercy -feat, 

In    Sum: 

Lo,  in  the  law  Jehovah  dwells*. 

But  J  ejus  is  conceai'd  ; 
Whereas  the  gofpel's  rothing  elfe 

But  Je/us  Chriji  rcveaTd. 

S-E  CT.    in. 

The  harmony  hetavixt  the  Law  and  the  Gofpel. 

HE  law's  a  tutor  much  in  vogue* 
To' gofpel- grace  a  pedagogue ; 
The  gofpel  to  the  law  no  left 
Than  its  lull  «*</  for  righteoufnefs, 

When  once  the  fiery  law  of  God 
Has  chas'd  me  to  the  gofpel-road, 
Then  ba-ck  unto  the  holy  law 
Moft  kindly  gofpel- grace  will  draw. 

When  by  the  law  to-  grace  I'm  fchoolV,  . 
Grace  by  the  law„will  have  me  rui'd  ; 
Hence,  if  1  don't  the  law  obey, 
I  cannot  keep  the  gofpel- way, 

W  hen  I  the  gcfpel-news  believe, 
Oredience  to  the  law  I  give; 
And  that  both  in  its  f tea" rat  drefs, 
And  as  a  rule  of  holinefs. 

Lo,  in  my  Head  I  render  all 
Fer  which  the  fiery  law  can  calls ». 
His  blood  unto  its  fire^  was  fuel, ... 
His  Spirit  (hapes  me  to  its  rule. 

When  law  and  gofpel  kindly  mee£*\ 
,    To fstve each  other  both  unite;  Swee* 


3  29  Gospel    Sohnbts, 

Sweet  promifes,  and  ftem  commands, 
Do  work  to  one  another's  hands. 

The  divine  law  demands  no  lefs 
Than  human  perfect  righteoufnefs -s 
The  gofpel  gives  it  this  and  more, 
Ev'n  divine  righteoufnefs  in  flore. 

Whate'er  the  righteous  law  require, 
The  gofpel  grants  its  whole  deiire. 
Are  law-commands  exceeding  broad? 
So  is  the  righteoufnefs  of  God. 

How  great  foe'er  the  legal  charge^ 
The  gofyel-paymext's  equal  large ; 
No  lofs  by  man  the  law  can  bray, 
When  grace  provides  a  God  to  pay. 

The  law  makes  gofpel-banquets  fweet, 
The  gofpel  makes  the  law  compleat: 
Law-fuits  to  grace's  ftore-houfe  draw, 
Grace  decks  and  magnifies  the  law, 

Both  law  and  gofpel  clofe  combine, 
To  make  each  other's  luftre  mine: 
The  gofpel  all  law-breakers  mame^ 
The  law  all  gofpel-ilighters  damn?. 

The  law  is  holy,  juft,  and  good ; 
All  this  the  gofpel  feals  with  blood, 
And  clears  the  royal  law's  juft  dun 
With  dearly  purchas'd  revenues. 

The  law  commands  me  to  believe, 
The  gofpel  faving  faith  does  give: 
The  law  injoins  me  to  repent ', 
The  gofpel  gives  my  tears  a  vent. 


What  in  the  gofpel- mint  is  coin'd. 
The  fame  is  in  the  law  injoin'di 


Whatmr 


art  VI.  The  Believer* s  Principles.  £21 

Whatever  gofpel- tidings  teach, 
The  law's  authority  doth  reach. 

Here  join  the  law  and  gofpel  hands, 
What  this  me  teaches,  that  commands : 
What  virtuous  forms  the  gofpel  pleafe, 
The  fame  the  law  does  authorife. 

And  thus  the  law-commandment  feals 
Whatever  gofpel-grace  reveals : 
The  gofpel  alfo  for  my  good 
Seals  all  the  law-demands  with  blood. 

The  law  moil  perfect  ftill  remains, . 
And  ev'ry  duty  full  contains : 
The  gofpel  its  perfection  fpeaks, 
And  therefore  gives  whate'er  it  feeks. 

Next,  what  by  law  I'm  hound  unto,-  . 
The  fame  the  gofpel  makes  me  do : 
What  precepiively  that  can  crave, 
This  effectively  can  ingrave. 

All  that  by  precepts  Heav'n  expecls, 
Free  grace  by  promifes  effects  : 
To  what  the  law  hy/ear  may  move*, 
To  that  the  gofpel  leads  by  love. 

To  run,  to  *work,  the  law  commands  | 
The  gofpel  gives  me  feet  and  hands  : 
The  OHe  requires  that  I  obey, 
The  other  does  the povj'r  convey. 

What  in  the  law  has  duty's  place, 
The  gofpel  changes  to  a  grace  : 
Hence  legal  duties  therein  nam'd, 
Are  herein  gofpel-graceo  fam'd. 

The  precept  checks  me  when  I  ftray, 
The  premife  holds  me  in  the  way  i 

Tint 


3  22  Gospel     Sonnets 

That  fhews  my  folly  when  I  roam, 
And  this  mob.  kindly  brings  me  home. 

Law- threats  and  precepts  both,  I  fee, 
With  gofpel-promifes  agree ; 
They  to  the  gcfpel  are  a  fence, 
And  it  to  them  a  maintenance. 

The  law  will  juftify  all  thofe 
Who  with  the  gofpel-ranfom  clofe; 
The  gofpel  too  approves  for  ay 
All  thofe  that  do  the  law  obey. 

The  righteous  law  condemns  each  man 
That  dare  reject  the  gofpel-plan  : 
The  holy  gofpel  none  will  fave, 
On  whom  it  won't  the  law  ingrave. 

When  Chrijf  the  tree  of  life  I  climbs 
I  fee  both  lav?  and  grace  in  him  : 
In  him  the  law  its  end  does  gain, 
In  him  the  promife  is  Amen. 

The  law  makes  grace's  pafcure  fweet, 
Grace  makes  the  law  my  fav'ry  meat) 
Yea,  iweeter  than  the  hony  comb, 
When_grace  and  mercy  brings  it  horae. 

The  precepts  of  the  law  mejhow 
What  fruits  of  gratitude  I  owe ; 
Butgofpel-grace  begets  the  brood, 
And  moves  me  to  the  gratitude. 

Law-terrors  panfe  the  putrid  fore. 
And  x$ofpel-grace  applies  the  cure  : 
The  one  plows  up  the  fallow-ground, 
The  other  Jews  the  feed  around, 

A  rigid  r?;  after  was  the  law, 
Demanding  brick,  denying  ftraw; 


But 


Part   VI.  The •  Believer's   Principle; ,  12* 

But  when  with  gofpel-tongue  it  fmgss 
.  Jt  bids  me  fly,  and  gives  me  wings . 

In  Sum: 

Bo-th  law  and  gofpel  clofe  unite, 

Are  feen  with  moll  folace, 
"Where  truth  a,nd  mercy  kindly  meets 

In  fair  JmmanueW  face. 

S  E  C  T.     IV. 

The  proper  place  and  ft  ation  of  the  Law  and  the  Gofpel, 

Note,  That  in  the  four  following  Paragraphs,  as  nv ell  as  in 
the  three  preceedrng  Sections,  by  Law  is  mofly  under/toad  the 
doclrine  of  the  covenant  of  works  j  and  by  Gofpel,  the  doc- 
.  trine  of -the  covenant  of  grace. 

Paragraph    I. 

The  place  andftationcfLzw  and  Gofpel./??  general,. 

WHeo  we  the  facred  record  view,* 
Or  divine  Tenements  old  and  new ; 
The  matter  in  moft  pages  hVd, 
:  Is  law  and  gofpel  intermix'd. 

Yet  few,  ev'n  in  a  learned  age, 
Can  fo  refolve  the  facred  page, 
As  to  difcern  with  equal  eye, 
''Where  law,  where  gofpel  fever'd  lie. 

One  divine  text  with  double  claufe 

May  fpeak  the  gofpel's  voice  and  law's  * : 

Hen:e 

*    Ex.    gr.    Lev.  xx.  7.     8.    San&ify    youn'elves 
therefore,  and  be    ye  holy :  for  I  am   the    Lord    your 
God.  And  ye  fhall  keep  my  flatutes,  and  do  them  :  I 
am  the  Lord  which  fan&ify  you,   i   John  iv.  7.  Be- 
loved, 


324  Gospel       S  ©  n  k  e-  t  *, 

Hence  men  to  blend  them  both  are  apt, 
Should  in  one  fentence  both  be  wraDt. 
But  that  we  may  the  truth  pmfue, 
And  give  both  law  and  grace  their  duef 
And  God  the  glory  there  difplay'd  ; 
The  following  rules  may  give  us  aid, 
Where-e'er  in  facred  writ  we  fee 
A  word  of  grace  or  promife  free. 
With  bleffings  dropt  for  Jefus*  fake ; 
We  thefe  for  gofpel-news  may  take. 
But  where  a  precept  Ariel  we  find 
With  promife  to  our  doing  join'd, 
Or  threatening  with  a  wrathful '-frown :j 
Thi*  as  the  law  we  juitly  own. 

Paragraph     II. 

Thi  place  and flation  of  Xaw  and Gofpel  in  particular. 
Where  the  difference  is  noted  betwixt  the  gofpel  largely 
viewed  in  its  difpenfation,  and  Jlr  idly  in   iffelf;   and 
betwixt  the  gofpel,  and  faith  receiving  it. 
W  7  °u^  tnou  diftinclly  know  the  found 
y\      Of  law  and  grace,  then  don't  confound. 

The 


loved,  let  us  love  one  another :  for  love  is  of  God ;  and 
every  one  that  loveth,  is  born  of  God,  and  knoweth 
God.  Rom.  v.  21.  That  as  fin  hath  reigned  unto 
death,  even  fo  might  grace  reign  through  righteouf- 
nefs  unto  eternal  life,  by  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.  Chap. 
vi.  23.  For  the  wages  of  fin  is  death:  but  the  gift  of 
God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord. 
Mark  xvi.  15.  16.  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Go  ye  in- 
to all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gofpel  to  every' crea- 
ture. He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized,  ihall  be  faved; 
but  he  that  believeth  not,  fhall  be  damned.  John  iii. 
i3.  He  that  believeth  on  him,  is  not  condemned  :  but 
he  that  believeth  not,  is  condemned  already,  becaufe 
he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten 
Son  of  God,  &c. 


>ari   VI.  The  Believer's  Principles. 

The  difpenfation  with  the  grace  j 
For  thefe  two  have  a  di&ind  place. 

The  gofpel  thus  difpens'd  we  fee3 
Believe,  and  thou  jhalt  faveifbe  ', 
If  not,  thou  jhalt  he  damned  to  hell9 
And  in  eternal  torments  dwell. 

Here  precepts  in  it  are  difpens'd, 
With  threat Wangs  of  damnation  fene'dj 
The  legal  fanclion  here  takes  place, 
That  none  may  dare  abufe  free  grace. 

Yet  nor  does  that  command  of  faith , 
Nor  this  tremendous  threat  of- wrath, 
Belong  to  gofpel  itrictly  fo ; 
But  to  its  difpenfation  do. 

The  method  of  difpenf.ng  here, 
Does  law  and  gofpel  jointly  bear; 
Becaufe  the  law's  lubfervient 
Unto  the  gofpel's  bleis'd  intent. 


2  5 


£> 


Precepts  and  threat'nings  both  make  way 
The  goft-el-hlemngs  to  convey; 
Which  differs  much  (though  thus  difpens'd) 
I  jFrom  laws  and  threats  whereby  'tisfene'd, 

Believe,  and  thou  foal  faved  be, 
Is  gofpel,  but  improperly ; 
Yet  fafely  men  may  call  it  thus, 
Becaufe  'tis  fo  diipens'd  to  us. 

Butfure,  the  gofpel -news  we  iing? 
■  Mull  be  fome  other  glorious  thing, 
Than  precepts  to  believe  the  fame, 
Whatever  way  we  blend  their  name. 

The  gofpel -treafme's  fbmethirig  more 
Xhan  means  that  do  apply  the  itore ; 

Be   !  Believing: 


3*6  Gospel     Sonset  s, 

Believing  is  the  method  pav'd, 
The  gofpel  is  the  thing  believ'd. 

The  precious  thing  is  tidings  fweet 
Of  Chrifi  a  Saviour  molt  compleat, 
To  fave  from  fin,  and  death,  and  wrath-} 
Which  tidings  tend  to  gender  faith. 

Faith  comes  by  hearing  God's  record 
Concerning  jfejus  Chrifi  the  Lord; 
And  is  the  method  Hjeav'n  has  bled 
For  bringing  to  the  gofpe -reft. 

The  joyful  found  is  news  of  grace, 
And  life  to  Adam's  guilty  race, 
Through  ye/us*  righteoufnefs  divine, 
Which  bright  from  faith  to  faith  does  mine, 

The  promife  of  immortal  blifs 
Is  made  to  this  full  righteoufnefs: 
By  this  our  right  to  life  is  bought; 
Faith  begs  the  right,  but  buys  it  not. 

True  faith  receives  the  offer'd  good, 
And  promife  feal'd  with  pre.cious  blood  : 
It  gives  no  title  to  the  bliis, 
But  takes  th'  intitling  righteoufnefs. 

This  object  great  of  faving  faith, 
And  this  alone  the  promife  hath ; 
For  'tis  not  made  to  faith's  \>oov  acl, 
But  is  the  prize  that  faith  does  take  : 

And,  only  as  it  takes  the  fame, 

It  bears  a  great  and  famous  name; 

For  felf  and  all  its  grandeur  down 

J.t  throws,  that  Chrifi  may  wear  the  crown. 

But  if  new  lavjs  and  threats  were  all 
That  grfpel  properly  we  call, 

Then 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles*  327 

Then  were  the  precept  to  believe , 
No  better  news  than  do  and  £<w« 

If  then  we  won't  diftinguifh  here, 
We  cloud,  but  don't  the  gofpel  clear.; 
We  blend  it  with  the  fiery  law, 
And  ail  into  confufion  draw. 

The  law  of  wsrks  we  introduce, 

As  if  old  merit  were  in  ufe, 

When  man  could  life  by  doing  won,  - 

Ev'n  though  the  work  by \  grace  were  done? 

Old  Adam  in  his  innocence 
Deriv'd  his  pow'r  of  doing  hence;: 
As  all  he  could  was  wholly  due.', 
So  all  the  workingy?razg-^,  he  knew. 

Was  only  from  the  grace  of  God, 
Who  with  fuch  favour  did  him  load: 
Yet  was  the  promife  to  his  aSi, 
That  he  might  merit  by  compqSt,- 

No  merit  but  of  paBion  could  ~ 

Of  men  or  angel's  e'er  be  told^ 

The  God-man  only  was  fo  high 

To  merit  by  condignity.:  _5 

Were  life  now  promis'd  to  our  aSl9 
Or  to  our  works  by  paBion  tack'd  : 
Though  God  mould  his  afjifance  grant, 
*"Tis  flill  a  doing  covenant. 

Though  Heav'n  its  helping  grace  mould  yield',- 
Yet  merit's  ftill  upon  the  field ; 
We  call  the  name,  yet  ftill  'tis  found 
Difclaim'd  but  with  a  verbal  found. 

If  one  mould  borrow  tools  from  you, 
That  he  fome  famous  work  might  do ;  . 


328  Gospel     Sonnet  s. 

When  once  his  work  is  well  prepar'd, 
He  fure  deferves  his  due  reward  j 

Yea,  juftly  may  he  claim  his  due, 
Although  he  borrow'd  teols  from  ycu  : 
Ev'n  thus  the-borrow'd  /Irength  of  grace 
Can't  hinder  merit  to  take  place. 

From  whence  foe'er  we  borrow  pow'rs, 
If  life  depend  on  works  of  ours ; 
Or  if  we  make  the  gofpel  thus 
In  any  fort  depend  on  us ; 

We  give  the  law  the  gofpel-place, 
Rewards  of  debt  the  room  of  grace  ; 
We  mix  Heav'n's  treafure  with  our  trafhj 
And  magnify  corrupted  Seih. 

The  new  and  gofpel  covenant 
No  promife  to  oirr  works  will  grant ; 
But  to  the  doing  of  our  Head, 
And  in  him  to  each  gofpel -deed. 

To  goJItnefs,  which  is  great  gs.in, 
promife  is  faid  to  appertain : 
But  know,  left  you  the  gofpel  mar, 
In  whom  it  is  we  godly  are : 

To  him  and  to  his  righteoufnefs 

Still  primarily  the  promife  is ; 
And  not  ev'n  to  the  gracious  deed, 
Save  in  and  through  the  glorious  Head. 

Pray  let  us  here  obferve  the  odds, 
How  law  and  grace  take  counter  roads. 
The  law  of  works  no  promife  fpake 
Unto  the  agent,  but  the  a-3; 

It  primar'ly  no  promife  made 
Unto  t\it  per/on,  but  the  deed: 

Whate'er 


?vrt.  VI,  The  Believer's  Principles* 

Whate'er  the  doing  perfon  fhar'd, 
'Twas  for  his  deed  he  had  reward, 

The  law  of  grace  o'erturns  the  fcale, 
And  makes  the  quite  reverfe  prevail ; 
Its  promife  lights  not  on  the  deed, 
But  on  the  doing  perfon's  head; 

Not  for  his  doing,  but  for  this, 
Becaufe  in  Chriji  his  perfon  is ; 
Which  union  to  the  living  Prince, 
His  living  works  and  deeds  evince.    ■ 

Good  fruits  have  promife  in  this  view,    > 
As  union  to  the  Branch  they  fnew; 
To  whom  the  promifes  pertain, 
In  him  dlljea,  and  all  amen, 

Obferve  pray;  for  if  here  we  err,     • 
And  do  not  Chrift  alone  prefer, 
But  think  the  promife  partly  Hands 
On  our  obeying  new  commands; 

Th'  old  covenant-place  to  works  we  give? 
Or  mingle  grace  with  do  and  live  ; 
We  overcloud  the  gofpel- charms, 
And  alfo  break  our  working  arms. 

More  honour  to  the  law  profefs, 
But  giving  more,  we  give  it  lefs ; 
Its-  heavy  yoke  in  vain  we  draw, 
By  turning  gofpel  into  law. 

We  rob  grace  of  its  joyful  found, 
And  bury  Chriji  in  Mofes'  ground : 
At  bell  we  run  a  legal  i  ace  " 
Upon  the  field  of gc/pej-grzce* 


Ee  j   '  Paragraph 


Z*9 


33^  Gospel      Sonnets. 

Paragraph     III. 

The  Gofpel  no  new  law  :  but  a  joyful  found  of  grace  ana 
mercy* 

LAW-precepts  in  a  gofpel-mold, 
We  may  as  gofpel-clo&rine  hold; 
But  gofpel-calls  in  legal  drefs, 
The  joyful  found  of  grace  fupprefs. 

Faith  and  repentance  may  be  taught, 
And  yet  no  gofpel-tidings  brought] 
If  as  mere  duties  thefe  we  prefs, 
And  not  as  parts  <j\  promts' dhl^i, 

If  only  precepts  we  prefent,. 
Though  urg?d  with  iirongeft  argument 
We  leave  the  wak'nea  finner's  hope 
In  darknefs  of  defpair  to  grope. 

The  man  whom  legal  precepts  chafe, 
As  yet  eftrang'd  to  fov'reign  grace, 
Miftaking  evangelic  charms, 
As  if  they  Hood  on  legal  terms. 

Looks  to  himfelf,  though  dead  in  fin, 
•For  grounds  of  faith  and  hope  within; 
Hence  fears  and  fetters  grow  and  fwell, 
Since  nought's  within  but  fin  and  helL  . 

But  faith  that  looks  to  promis'd  grace, 
Clean  out  of  felf  the  foul  will  chafe, 
To  Chrifttot  righteoufnefs  andftrength, 
And  finds  the  joyful  reft  at  length. 

Proud  flefh  and  blood  will  ftartle  here,. 
And  hardly  fuch  report  can  bear^ 
That  Heav'n  all  faving  ftore  will  give 
To  them  that  vnrk  not,  but  believe, 

Vet 


art  VI,  The  Believer's^  Principles. 

'Yet  not  of 'works,  but  'tis  the  race 
Of  faith,  that  it  may  be  of  grace  : 
For  faith  does  nothing  but  agree 
To  welcome  this  falvation  free. 


i( 


Come  donjon,  Zaccheus,  quickly  come^ 
Salvation's  brought  unto  thy  home  : 
In  vain  thou  climb'il  the  legal  tree3 
Salvation  freely  comes  to  thee. 


"  Thou  dream  'ft  of  coming  -up  to  terms/  . 
%i  Come  down  into  my  faving  arms ; 
"  Down,  down,  and  get  a  pardon  free. 
*'  On  terms  already  wrought  by  me. 

Cf  Behold  the  blefEngs  cf  my  --blood,  '. 
"  Bought  for  thy  everlafting  good 9 
"  And  freely  all  to  be  convey'd 
"  Upon  the  price  already  paid,  ■ 

{l  I  know  thou  hair  no  good,  and  fee 
"  I  cannot  ftand  on  terms  with  thee, 
"  Whofe  fall  has  left  thee  nought  to  claim. 
"  Nor  aught  to  boaft  but  fin  and  fname.-'*'" 

The  law  of  heavy  hard  commands  * 
Confirms  the  vvak'ned  firmer's  bands ; 
But  grace  proclaims  relieving  news, 
And  fcenes  of  matchlefs  mercy  fhews^ 

No  precept  Clogs  the  gofpel-call, 
But  wherein  grace  is  all  in  all ; 
No  law  is  here  but  that  of  grace, 
Which  brings  relief  in  ev'ry  cafe, 

The  gofpel  is  the  promife  fair  - 
Of  grace  all  ruins  to  repair, 
And  leaves  no  finner  room  to  fay4 
"  Alas !  this  debt  I  cannot  pay; 


"  This 


Gospel     Sonnet  j. 

"  This  grievous  yoke  I  cannot  bear, 
"  This  high  demand  I  cannot  clear." 
Grace  (tops  the  mouth  of  fuch  complaints^, 
And  itore  of  full  fapply  prefents. 

The  glorious  gofpel  is  (in  brief) 

A  fov'reign  word  of  fweet  relief; 

Not  clogg'd  with  cumberfom  commands. 

To  bind  the  foul's  receiving  hands. 

'Tis  joyful  news  of  fov'reign  grace, 
That  reigns  in  Hate  through  righteoujnef  t 
To  ranfom  from  all  threatening  <woess 
And  anfwer  all  commanding  do's : 

This  gofpel  comes  with  help  indeed", 
Adapted  unto  finners  need. 
Thefe  joyful  news  that  fuit  their  cafe.    ' 
Are  chariots  of  his  drawing  grace : 

?Tis  here  the  Spirit  pow'rful  rides^ 
The  fountains  of  the  deep  divides ; 
The  King  of  glory's  fplendor  (hews, 
And  wins  the  heart  with  welcome  news. 

Paragraph  IV 

The  Gofpel  further  defcribed,  as  a  bundle  of  good  news 
and  gracious promijc 

TPIE  firft  grand  promife  forth  did  break 
In  threats  againft  the  tempting  make; 
So  may  the  gofpel  in  cemmands, 
Yet  nor  in  threats  nor  precepts  ftands; 


But  'tis  a  doctrine  of  free  grants 
To  fmners,  that  they  may  be  faints  i 
A  joyful  found  of  royal  gifts, 
To  obviate  unbelieving  fhifts  j 


Fart  VL  The  Believer's  Principles. 

A  promife  of  divine  fupplies, 
To  work  all  gracious  qualities 
In  thofe  who,  proneft  to  rebel, 
Are  only  qualify 'd  for  bell. 

Courting  vile  finners,  ev'n  the  chief,-- 
It  leaves  no  cloak  for  unbelief; 
But  ev'n  on  grofs  Manaffehs  -calls? 
On  Mary  Magdalens  and  Sauls, 

3Tis  good  news  of  a  fountain  ope 
For fin  and  jilt h;   a  door  of  hope 
For  thofe  that  lie  in  blood  and  gore^  , 
And  of  a  fake  for  ev'ry  fore. 

Glad  news  of 'fight  unto  the  blind ; 
Of  light  unto  the  dark'ned  mind ; 
Of  healing  to  the  deadly  fick  ; 
And  mercy  both  to  Jew  and  Greek, 

Good  news  of  gold  to  poor  that  lack  :: 
Of  raiment  to  the  naked  back  ; 
Of  binding  to  the  wounds  that  fmart|-  , 
And  rejt  unto  the  weary  heart. 

Glad  news -of freedom  to  the  bound  ; 
Of fere  all  loiTes  to   refund  ; 
Of  endlefs  Ife  unto  the  dead; 
And  prefent  help  in  time  of  need, 

Good  news  ofheav'n,  Where  angels  dwel!^ 
To  thofe  that  well  deferved  hell; 
Offirengtb  to  weak  for  work  and  war, 
And  accefs  near  to  thofe  afar. 

Glad  news  of  joy  to  thofe  that  weep? 
And  tender  care  of  cripple  fheep; 
Of  fbelter  to  the  foul  purfu'd, 
And  ckanfing  to  the  hellifh-hewM : 


34  Gospel     Sonnets, 

Of  floods  to  fap  the  parched  ground,  . 
And  Jf  reams  to  run  the  defert  round; 
Of  ranfom  to  the  captive  caught, 
And  harbour  to  the  found'ring  yacht: 

Of  timely  aid  to  weary  groans ; 
Of  joy  retfor'd  to  broken  bones ; 
Of  grace  divine  to  gracelefs  preys3 
And  glory  to  the  vile  and  bale  : 

Of  living  water  pure,  that  teems 
On  fainting-  fouls  refrefhing  ftreams ;  ; 
Of  gen'rous  wine  to  chear  the  ltrong. 
And  milk  to  feed  the  tender  young  : 

Of  facing  faith  to  faithlefs  ones-? 
Of /oft* 'fiing  grace  to  flinty  ftones; 
Of  pardon  to  a-guilty  crew, 
And  mercy  free,  where  wrath  was  due, 

Good  news  of  welcome  kind  to  all,-, 
T*hat  come  to  Jefu?  at  his  call ; 
Yea,  news  of  drawing  tow >,  when  fcant, 
To  thofe  that  fain  would  come,  and  can'te 

Glad  news  of  rich  myfterious  grace, 
And  mercy  meeting  ev'ry  cafe; 
Of  fere  immenfe  all  voids  to  fill, 
And  free  to  wbofoever  will ; 

Of  Chrifl  exalted  as  a  Prince* 
Pardons  to  gi<ve  and  penitence', 
Of  grace  o'ercoming  {lubborn  wills*  -. 
And  leaping  over  Bet  her  hills. 

Faith  comes  by  hearing  thefe  reports ; 
Straight  to  the  court  of  grace  reforts,  , 
And,  free  of  mercenary  thought, 
Gets  royal  bounty  all  for  nought. 


Faiths 


Part  VI.  The  Believers   Prina'p&s.  3jc 

Faith's  wing  within  the  clammy  lea 
Of  legal  merit  cannot  fly  | 
But  mounting  mercy's  air  apace3 
Soars  in  the  element  of  grace. 

But  as  free  love  the  Meffing  gives 
To  him  that  works  not,   but  ^elie<ves,> 
So  faith,  once  reaching  its  defire, 
Works  hard  by  /eve,  but  not  for  hire. 

CHAP,     IIL 

The  believer's  prxntciplfs  concerning 
justification  aad  SanSificmony  their  differ™ 
ence  and  harmony. 

i.E  C  T.     I. 

ft  he  difference  'between  juftification  and  Sandlifkatios, 
or  righteoulnefs  imputed  and  grace  imparted,  in  up- 
wards of  thirty  particulars. 

,  Kote,  That  (rhetrl  caufa) jufiijication  is  here  fomeiimes  ex- 
freffed  by  the  words,  imputed  grace,  juitifying  grace, 
righteoulnefs,  &c.  fanclification  by  the  names,  imputed 
grace,  grace,  gr^ce^,  holinefs,  fanclity,  &c.  which  the 
judicious  wiMeafily  underftand. 

Kind  Jefus  fpent  his  life  to  fpin 
My  robe  of  perfect  righteoufnefs; 
'But  by  his  Spirit's  work  within 
He  forms  my  gracious  holy  drefs. 

.He  as  a  Prieft  me  juftifles, 

His  blood  does  roaring  confeience  flill^ 
But  as  a  King  he  fanctifies, 

And  fubj  agates  my  itubborn  wiAI. 

He  j  unifying  by  his  merit, 
Imputes  to  me  his  righteoufnefs ■; 

But 


r..V  €•   O  5   ?  E   L       S  O   I;   :i  E  T  I, 

;  But  fan&ifying  by  his  Spirit, 
Infujes  ift  me  laving  grace. 

My  jollifying  rightebufnefs 

Can  merit  by  coudigniry  ; 
Bat  •  ace 

Can  be  .  efery  d  by  i  aughty  me. 

Thisjuftifying  favour  fcts 

v  fin  i  emote; 
But  fa  tlifying  grace  delets 

filth  ana  blatkaefs  of  its  blot, 

By  virtue  or  this  righteoafnefs 

Sir,  can't  comh.'in  nor  juiciy  brand 
By  virtut  o   infufed  grace 

A q Oil  it  c salts  to  command. 

The  righteoufnefs  which  I  enjoy, 

Sin  s  damning  pow  'r  will  wholly  Roy  i 
And  grace  imparted  will  deilroy 

Its  ruling  domineeiing  fway. 

The  former  is  my  Judge's  aft 

Of  condonation  full  and  free  : 
•  The  latter  his  commenced/**.?, 

And  gradual  work  advane'd  in  me. 

The  former's  infant  are  out, 

The  moment  that  I  frit  believe: 
The  latter  is,  a:  Heav'n  allows, 

Progrejfiwe  while  on  earth  I  live. 

The  firft  will  peqee  to  confeience  give, 
The  \ik  the  filthy  heart  wiilcleanfe  : 

The  firft  efTecls  a  relative, 
The  h.il  a  ra*/ inward  change. 

The  former  par  dens  evhyfe, 

And  counts  me  righteous,  fi'ec,  and  iufb 

The 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's  Principle?,  337 

The  latter  quickens  grace  within, 
And  mortifies  my  fin  and  luft. 

Imputed  grace  intitles  me 

Unto  eternal  happinefs; 
Imparted  grace  will  qualify 

That  heav'nly  kingdom  to  pofTefs -, 

My  righteoufnefs  is  infinite, 

Both  fubjeclively  and  in  kind  ; 
My  holinefs  moft  incompleat, 

And  daily  wavers  like  the  wind, 

So  lafting  is  my  outer  drefs, 

It  never  wears  nor  waxes  old ; 
My  inner  garb  of  grace  decays 

And  fades,  if  Heav'n  do  not  uphold. 

My  righteoufnefs  and  pardon  is 

At  once  moft  perfect  and  complect ; 
But  fan&ity  admits  degrees^ 

Does  vary,  fluctuate  and  fleet. 

Hence  fix'd,  my  righteoufnefs  divine 

No  real  change  can  undergo ; 
But  all  my  graces  wax  and  wane, 

By  various  turnings  ebb  and  flow. 

I'm  by  the  firft  as  righteous  now, 

As  e'er  hereafter  I  can  be : 
The  lafc  will  to  perfection  gro<w> 

Heav'n  only  is  the  full  degree. 

The  flrft  is  equal,  wholly  giv'n, 

And  fill!  the  fame  in  ev'ry  faint: 
The  laft  unequal  and  unev'n, 

While  fome  enjoy  what  others  want. 

My  righteoufnefs  divine  is  frefh, 
For  ever  pure  and  heav'nly  both; 

F  f  My 


338  GesPEL     Sonnets. 

My  fanctity  is  partly  ficfo, 

And  juffcly  term'd  a  7nenfirious  clatb. 

My  righteoufnefs  I  magnify, 

'Tis  my  triumphant  lofty  flag ; 
Bnt  pois'd  with  this,  my  fan&ity 

Is  nothing  but  a  filthy  rag. 

I  glcry  in  my  righteoufnefs, 

And  loud  extol  it  with  my  tongue ; 
But  all  my  grace,  compar'd  with  this, 

I  under-rate  as  lofs  and  dung. 

By  juftifying  grace  I'm  apt 

Of  div'me  Jai>our  free  to  bcaft; 
-  Byholinefs  I'm  partly  fhap'd 
Into  his  image  I  had  loll. 

The  firfi;  to  divine juflics  pays 

A  rent  to  Hill  the  furious  florm ; 
The  la  ft  to  divine  holinejs 

Inftructs  me  duly  to  conform. 

The  firfl  does  quench  the  fiery  law, 

Its  ri?id  covenant  fully  fbay ; 
The  laftitsra/*  embroider'd  draw, 

To  deck  my  heart,   and  gild  my  way. 

TlbsfubjeB  of  my  righteoufnefs 

Is  Chriir  himfelf  my  glorious  Head ; 

But  I  the  fubjeft  am  of  grace, 
As  he  fupplies  my  daily  need. 

The  matter  of  the  former  too 

Is  only  Chrifl's  obedience  dear; 
But  lo,  his  helping  me  to  do, 

Is  all  the  work  and  matter  here. 

I  on  my  rtghteoufnefs  rely 

For  Heav'n's  acceptance  free,  and  wiu, 

But, 


Part  VI.  The  BifofaPs  Principle, 

But,  in  this  matter,  mu.it  deny 
My  grace,  ev'n  as  I  do  my  fin. 

Though  all  my  graces  precious  are, 
Yea,  perfecl  alfo  in  defire; 

They  cannot  ftand  before  the  bar 
Where  awful  juitice  is  umpire  : 

But,  in  the  robe  that  Chrift  didfpin, 
They  are  of  great  and  high  requefl; 

They  have  acceptance  wrapt  within 
My  elder  brother's  bloody  veft. 

My  righteoufnefs  proclaims  me  great 
And /air  ev'n  in  t\iz  jt*ht  of  God  ; 

But  fanctity's  my  main  bff-fii 
Before  the  gazing  world  abroad* 

More  juflify'd  I  cannot  be 
Bv  all  my  moll  religious  acts ; 

But  theie  increafe  my  fanctity, 

That's  Hill  attended  with  defe&s. 

My  righteoufnefs  that  fafeft  ark 

'Midfl  ev'ry  threat'ning  flood  will  be; 

My  graces  but  a  leaking  bark 
Upon  a  ilormy  raging  fea. 

I  fee  in  jultifying  grace 

God's  love  to  me  does  ardent  burn) 
But  by  imparted  holinefs 

I  grateful  love  for  love  return, 

My  righteoufnefs  is  that  which  draws 
My  thankful  heart  to  this  refpecl : 

The  former  then  is  firft  the  cauje. 
The  latter  is  the  fweet  pjfefi. 

Chrift  is  in  juftifying  me, 

By  name,  The  Lord  my  right  to  ujnrfi  5_ 
F  f  % 


14*  Gospel     Sonnets. 

But,  as  he  comes  to  fanctify, 

The  Lord  ?ny  Jlrengtb  and  help  he  is. 

In  that  I  have  the  patie?aJs  place, 
For  there  Jehovah's  act is  all; 

But  in  the  other  I'm  through  grace 
An  agent  working  at  his  call. 

'T\\efrfl  does  fla<vijh  fear  forbid, 
For  there  his  wrath  revenging  ends ; 

The  laft  commands  my  fdial  dread, 
For  here  paternal  ire  attends. 

The  former  does  annul  my  woe, 
By  God's  judicial  fentence  pail:  ; 

The  latter  makes  my  graces  grow, 

Faith,  love,  repentance,  and  the  reft.. 

The  firftdoes  divine  pard'ning  love 

Molt  freely  manifeft  to  me ; 
The  laft  makes  (Lining  graces  prove 

Mine  int'reft  in  the  pardon  free. 

My  foul  in  juftifying  grace 

Dses.  full  and  free  acceptance  gain y 

In  fanclity  I  heav'nward  prefs, 
By  fweet  ajpjlanct  I  obtain. 

The  firft  declares  I'm  free  of  debt, 
And  nothing  left  for  me  to  pay ; 

The  laft  makes  me  a  debtor  yet, 
But  helps  to  pay  it  cv'ry  day. 

My  righteoufnefs  with  wounds  and  blood 
Difcharg'd  both  law  andjuftice'  fcore  s, 

Kence  with  the  debt  of  gratitude 
I'll  charge  myfelf  for  evermore. 


SECT, 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles.  34 

SECT.     II. 
The  harmony  between  Juilification   and  San&iHcatkm, 

HE  who  me  decks  with  righ teou in efs, 
With  grace  will  alfo  clothe; 
F@r  glorious  Jefus  came  to  blefs 
By  blood  and  water  both. 

That  in  his  righteoufnefs  I  truft, 

My  fan&ity  will  mow ; 
Though  graces  cannot  make  rne  jufr, 

TYi.zy  Jbew  me  to  be  fo. 

All  thofe  who  freely  juftify'd 

Are  of  the  pardon'd  race, 
Anon  are  alfo  fan&ify'd 

And  purify'd  by  grace. 

Where  juiUce  ftern  does  juftify, 

There  holinefs  is  clear'd : 
HeavVs  equity  and  fanclity 

Can  never  be  fever'd. 

Hence,  when  my  foal  with  pardon  deckt, 

Perceives  no  divine  ire, 
Then  holinefs  I  do  affect 

With  pamonate  defire, 

His  j  ttilifying  grace  is  fuch 

As  wafts  my  foul  to  heav'n  : 
I  cannot  chufe  but  love  him  much, 

Who  much  has  meforglv'n. 

The  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  that  brings 

Remiffion  in  his  rays, 
The  healing  in  his  golden  wings 

Of  light  and  heat  conveys. 

Where-ever  Jefus  is  a  priefr3 
There  will  he  be  a  king ; 

*  f  3  K* 


342  Gospel     Sow  nets. 

He  that  aflbils  from  fin's  arreit. 
Won't  tolerate  its  reign. 

The  title  of  a  precious  grace 

To  faith  may  ju%  fall, 
Becaufe  its  open  arms  embrace 

A  precious  Chrift  for  all. 

From  precious  faith  a  precious  ftrtfe 

Of  precious  virtues  flow ; 
A  precious  heart,  a  precious  life, 

And  precious  duties  too.  .    y 

Where-ever  faith  does  juftify, 

It  purifies  the  heart : 
The  pardon  and  the  purity 

Join  hands,  and  never  part, 

The  happy  itate  of  pardon  doth 

An  holy  life  infer :  • 
In  fubjedts  capable  of  both 

They  never  funder'd  were. 

Yet  in  defence  of  truth  mull:  we 

Diiiinftly  view  the  twain  , 
That  how  they  differ,  how  agree, 

We  may  in  truth  maintain* 

Two  natures  in  one  perfon  dwell? 

Which  no  di-~oifetn  know, 
In  our  renown'd  Immanuely 

Without  confujlc7i  too. 

Thofe  that  divide  them,  grofsly  err, 

Though  yet  diflincl  they  be: 
Thofe  who  confujum  hence  infer, 

Imagine  blafnhemy. 

Thus  righteoufnefs  and  grace  we  muft 
Nor  (under  nor  confound  ; 

Elte 


PART  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles*  34^ 

Elfe  holy  peace  to  us  is  loft, 
And  facred  truth  we  wound. 

While  we  their  proper  place  maintain, 

In  friendftiip  Tweet  they  dwell; 
But  cr  to  part  or  blend 'the  twain, 

Are  errors  hatch'd  iii  hell. 

To  feparate  what  God  does  join,. 
Is  wicked  and  profane : 
To  mix  and  mutilate  his  coin* 
Is  damnable  and  vain. 

Though  plain  diftin&ion  muii  take  places 

Yet  no  divifion  here, 
Nor  dark  confufion,  elfe  the  grace 

Of  both  will  difappear. 

Lo,  errors  grofs  on  ev'ry  fide 

Conipire  to  hurt  and  wound  3 
Antinomijts  do  them  divide. 

And  iegalifts  confound. 


CHAP, 


344  Gospel     Sonnets. 

CHAP.      IV. 

The    belie vlr's  principles  concerning 
Fa'W  and  denjh. 

1 .  Of  faith  andfnCe  natural. 

2 .  Oj  faith  andjenje  fpiiitual. 

3.  Tie  harmony  and  dtjcora.  between  faith  andfenfe. 

4.  The  valour  and  -victories  of  faith. 

5.  The  heights  and  depths  of  fenfe. 

6.  Faith  and  frames  compared,  or  faith  building  upon 
jenfe  difco-vered. 

SECT.    I. 

Faith  andfenfe  natural,  compared  and  dijlingutjhtd* 

WHen  Abram\  body,  Sarah's  womb, 
Were  ripe  for  nothing  but  the  tomb, 
Exceeding  old,  and  wholly  dead, 
Unlike  to  bear  the  promis'd  feed. 

Faith  faid,  / Jhatt  an  Ifaae  fee ; 
No,  no,  faid  fenfe,  it  cannot  be  : 
Blind  reafon,  to  augment  the  irrifej 
Adds,  How  can  death  engender  life  * 

My  heart  is  like  a  rotten  tomb, 
More  dead  than  ever  Sarah's  womb ; 
O  !  can  the  promis'd  feed  of  grace 
Spring  forth  from  fuch  a  barren  place ! 

Ser.fe  gazing  but  on  flinty  rocks, 
My  hope  and  expectation  chokes : 
But  could  I,   ikWYd  in  Abram'h  art. 
Overlook  my  dead  and  barren  heart; 

And  build  my  hope  on  nothing  lefs 
Than  divine  pow'r  and  faithfulncfs ; 

5oon 


Fart  VI.  The  Be/lever's   Principles*  345 

Soon  would  I  find  him  raife  up  fons 
To  Air  am,  out  of  rocks  and  ftones. 

Faith  a&s  as  bufy  boatmen  do, 
Who  backward  look,  and  forward  row : 
It  looks  intent  to  things  unfeen, 
Thinks  objects  vifible  too  mean. 

Senfe  thinks  it  madnefs  thus  to  fleer* 
And  only  trufts  its  eye  and  ear ; 
Into  faith's  boat  dare  thruft  its  oar, 
Ancd  put  it  further  from  the  more. 

Faith  does  alone  the  promife  eye  j 
Senfe  won't  believe  unlefs  it  fee ; 
Nor  can  it  truft  the  divine  guide, 
Unlefs  it  have  both  wind  and  tide. 

Faith  thinks  the  promife  fure  and  good, 
Senfe  doth  depend  on  likelihood  : 
Faith  ev'n  in  ftorms  believes  the  feers  ; 
Senfe  calls  all  men,  ev'n  prophets,  liars. 

Faitk  ufes  means,  but  refts  on  none; 
Senfe  fails  when  outward  means  are  gone  ; 
Trufts  more  in  probabilities, 
Than  all  the  divine  promifes. 

It  refts  upon  the  rufty  beam 
Of  outward  things  that  hopeful  feem  j: 
Let  thefe  its  fupports  fink  or  ceafe, 
No  promife  then  can  yield  it  peace. 

True  faith,  that's  of  a  divine  brood, 
Confults  not  bafe  with  flefh  and  biood  ; 
But  carnal  fenfe,  which  ever  errs, 
With  carnal  feafon  flill  confers. 


What !  won't  my  difciples  believe- 
That  I  am  rifen  from  the  grave  ? 


Why 


34^  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Why  will  they  pore  on  duft  and  death, 
And  overlook  my  quick'ning  breath? 

Why  do  they  flight  the  word  I  fpake  ? 
And  rather  forry  counfel  take 
With  death,  and  with  a  pow'rlefs  grave, 
If  they  their  captive  can  relieve  ? 

Senfe  does  inquire,  if  tombs  of  clay 
Can  fend  their  guefts  alive  away  5 
But  faith  will  hear  Jehovah's  word, 
Of  life  and  death  the  Sovereign  Lord. 

Should  I  give  ear  to  rotten  duft, 
Or  to  the  tombs  confine  my  truft^ 
No  refurredtion  can  1  fee, 
For  duft  that  flies  into  mine  eye, 

What !  Thomas,  can't  thou  truft  fo  much 
To  me  as  to  thy  fight  and  touch? 
Won't  thou  believe  till  fenfe  be  guide, 
And  thruft  its  hand  into  my  fide  I 

Where  is  thy  faith,  if  it  depends 
On  nothing  but  thy  singer-ends? 
Bnt  blefs'd  are  they  the  truth  who  fe&l 
By  faith,  yet  neither  fee  nor  feel. 

SECT.     II. 

Faith  and  fenfe  fpiritual  compared  and  diftinguijhid. 
Where  al/o  the  difference  between  the  affurance  of  faith \ 
and  the  affurance  of  fen) e. 

THe  certainty  of  faith  and  fenfe 
Wide  differ  in  experience  : 
Faith  builds  upon  Thus  faith  the  Lord ; 
Senfe  views  his  work,  and  not  his  word. 

God's  word  without  is  faith's  refort, 

His  work  within  doth  fenie  fupport.  R) 


lRT  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles.  34 

By  faith  we  truft  him  without  *  pawns, 
By  fenfe  we  handle  with  our  hands. 

By  faith  the  word  of  truth's  receiv'd, 
By  fenfe  we  know  we  have  believ'd.- 
Faith's  certain  by  fiducial  acts, 
Senfe  by  its  evidential  /ads. 

Faith  credits  the  divine  report, 
Senfe  to  his  breathings  makes  refort, 
That  on  his  <word  of  grace  will  hing, 
This  OR  his  Spirit  nviine/Jtng. 

By  faith  I  take  the  Lord  for  mine, 
By  fenfe  I  feel  his  love  divine : 
By  that  I  touch  his  garment's  hem, 
By  this  find  virtue  thence  to  ftreara. 

By  faith  I  have  mine  all  on  band. 
By  fenfe  1  have  fome  ftock  in  hand: 
By  that  fome  wijion  is  begun, 
By  this  I  fame  fruition  win. 

My  faith  can  fend  ev'n  in  exile, 
Senfe  cannot  live  without  a  fmile, 
By  faith  I  to  his  promife  fly, 
By  fenfe  I  in  his  bofom  lie. 

Faith  builds  upon  the  truth  of  God, 
That  lies  within  tke  promife  broad; 
But  fenfe  upon  the  truth  of  grace 
His  hand  within  my  heart  did  place. 

Phus  Gbri/Ps  the  object  faith  will  eye, 
^nd  faith's  the  object  fenfe  may  fee: 
?aith  keeps  the  truth  of  God  in  view, 
iVhile  Cenie  the  truth  of  faith  may  fhew, 


Hence 


Pledges. 


34*  Gospel     Soknetj, 

Hence  faith's  afiurance  firm  can  ftand, 
When  fenfe's  in  the  deep  may  ftrand ; 
And  faith's  perfaanon  fall  prevail, 
When  comfortable  fenfe  may  fail. 

I  am  aflur'd  when  faith's  in  acl, 
Though  fenfe  and  feeling  both  I  lack  : 
And  thus  myfterious  is  my  lot, 
I'm  oft  affur'd  when  I  am  not; 

Oft  pierc'd  with  racking  doubts  and  fears; 
Yet  faith  thefc  brambles  never  bears ; 
But  unbelief,  that  cuts  my  breath, 
And  flops  the  language  of  my  faith. 

Clamours  of  unbelieving  fears 
So  frequently  diilurb  mine  ears, 
I  cannot  hear  what  faith  would  fay; 
Till  once  the  noify  clamoHrs  ftay. 

And  then  will  frem  experience  find, 
When  faith  gets  leave  to  fpeak  its  mind? 
The  native  language  thereof  is, 
My  Lord  is  mine,  and  I  am  his. 

Sad  doubtings  compafs  me  about, 
Yet  faith  itfelf  could  never  doubt; 
For  as  the  facred  volume  faith, 
Much  doubting  argues  little  fakh. 

The  doubts  and  fears  that  work  my  grief. 
Flow  not  from  faith,  but  unbelief; 
For  faith,  whene'er  it  a&eth,  cures 
The  plague  of  doubts,  and  me  afiuros. 

But  when  mine  eye  of  faith's  afleep, 
I  dream  of  drowning  in  the  deep  : 
But,  as  befals  the  keeping  eye, 
Though  fight  remain,  it  cannot  fee; 


The  ! 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's   Principles.  34.9 

The  feeing  faculty  abides, 
Though  fleep  from  active  feeing  hides : 
So  faith's  arTuring  pow'rs  endure 
Ev'n  when  it  ceafes  to  affure, 

There's  flill  perfuafion  in  my  faith, 
Ev'n  when  I'm  fill'd  with  fears  of  wrath; 
The  fruiting  habit  ftill  remains, 
Though  {lumbers  hold  the  acl  in  chains. 

Th'  arTuring  faculty  it  keeps. 
Ev'n  when  its  eye  in  darknefs  fleeps, 
Wrapp'd  up  in  doubts ;  but  when  it  wakes, 
It  roufes  up  ally  ring  adls. 

SECT.     III. 

The  harmony  and  difcord  between  faith  and  fenfe-,  honv 
they  help,  and  hoixi  they  mar  each  other. 

T  Hough  gallant  faith  can  keep  the  field. 
When  cow'rdly  fenfe  will  Piy  ©r  yield; 
Yet  while  I  view  their  ufual  path, 
Senfe  often  Hands  and  falls  with  faith. 

Faith  ufhers  in  fweet  peace  and  joy, 
Which  further  heartens  faith's  employ : 
Faith  like  the  head,  and  fenfe  the  heart* 
Do  mutual  vigour  frefft  impart. 

When  lively  faith  and  feeling  fweet 
Like  deareit  darlings  kindly  meet, 
They  ftraight  each  other  help  and  hug 
In  loving  friend/hip  clofe  and  fnug. 

Faith  gives  to  feiife  both  life  and  breath. 
And  fenfe  gives  joy  and  ftrength  to  faith; 
"  O  now,  fays  faith,  how  fond  do  I 
"  Inienfe's  glowing  bolbm  lie!" 

G  g  Their 


55°  Gospel     Sonnets, 

Their  mutual  kindnefs  then  is  fuch, 
That  oft  they  doting  too  too  much, 
Embrace  each  other  out  of  breath; 
As  JEjop  hugg'd  his  child  to  death. 

Faith  leaping  into  fenfe's  arms, 
Allur'd  with  hcT  bewitching  charms. 
In  hugging  thefe,  lets  rafhly  flip 
The  proper  object  of  its  gripe. 

Which  being  loft,  behold  the  thrall ! 
Anon  faith  lofes  fenfe  and  all ; 
Thus  unawares  cuts  fenfe's  breath, 
While  fenfe  trips  up  the  heels  of  faith, 

Her  charms  afiuming  Jefus1  place, 
While  faith' .«  lulPd  in  her  foft  embrace  ; 
Lo,  foon  in  dying  pleafures  wrapt, 
Its  living  joy  away  is  fnapt. 

SECT.     IV. 

The  -valour  and  <viftories  of  faith, 

BY  faith  I  unfeen  Being  fee 
Forth  lower  beings  call, 
And  lay  to  nothing,  Let  it  he; 
And  nothing  hatches  all. 

By  faith  I  know  the  worlds  were  made 

By  God's  great  word  of  might; 
How  foon,  Let  there  be  light  y  he  faid, 

That  moment  there  was  light. 

By  faith  I  foar  and  force  my  flight 

Through  all  the  clouds  of  fenfe; 
I  fee  the  glories  out  of  fight, 

With  brighteft  evidence. 

By  faith  I  mount  the  azure  fky, 
'  Anttfrom  the  lofty  fphere  Tfae 


'akt  VI.  T$e  Believer's  Pri 


The  earth  a  Httle  mote  efpy, 
Unworthy  of  my  care. 

By  faith  I  fee  the  unfeea  thing?. 

Hid  from  all  mortal  eyes ; 
Proud  reafon  ftf  etching  all  its  wing?. 

Beneath  me  fluttering  lies. 

By  faith  I  build  my  lafling  hope 

On  righteoufnefs  divine ; 
Nor  can  I  fink  with  fuch  a  prop, 

Whatever  ftonns  combine. 

By  faith  my  works,  my  righteoufne  fs, 

And  duties  all  I  own 
But  lofs  and  dung ;  and  lay  my  ilrefs  • 

On  what  my  Lord  has  done. 

.By  faith  I  overcome  t'le  worL% 
And  all  its  hurtful  charms; 

Vm  in  tlie  heav'nly  chariot  hurl'd 
Through  all  oppofing  harms. 

By  faith  I  have  a  conqu'ringpow'r 

To  tread  upon  my  foes, 
To  triumph  in  a  dying  hour, 

And-banifn  all  my  woes. 

By  fa:th  in  midil  of  wrongs  I\-n  right, 

In  fad  decays  I  thrive; 
In  weaknefs  I  am  ftrong  in  mighty 

In  death  I  am  alive. 

By  faith  I  Hand  when  deep  I  fall, 

In  darknefs  I  have  light; 
Nor  dare  I  doubt  and  quefdon  all 

When  all  is  out  of  fight. 

By  faith  I  truft  a  pardon  free, 
Which  puzzles  flefli  and  blood; 
G  g.z 


352  Gospel     Sonnets. 

To  think  that  God  can  juftify, 
Where  yet  he  fees  no  good. 

By  faith  I  keep  my  Lord's  commands, 

To  verify  my  truft  ; 
I  purify  my  heart  and  hands, 

And  mortify  my  luft. 

By  faith  my  melting  foul  repents, 
When  pierced  Chriji  appears ; 

My  heart  in  grateful  praifes  vents, 
Mine  eyes  in  joyful  tears. 

By  faith  I  Can  the  mountains  vaft 

Of  fin  and  guilt  remove ; 
And  them  into  the  ocean  call, 

The  fea  of  blood  and  love. 

By  faith  IfeeJiHOVAH  high 

Upon  a  throne  of  grace; 
I  fee  him  lay  his  vengeance  by, 

And  fraile  in  Jefu$}  face, 

By  faith  I  hope  to  fee  the  Sun, 
The  light  of  grace  that  lentj 

His  everiafting  circles  run 
In  glory's  firmament. 

By  faith  I'm  more  than  conqueror, 
Ev'n  though  I  nothing  can ; 

Becaufe  I  fet  Jehovah's  pow'r 
Before  me  in  the  'van. 

By  faith  I  counterplot  my  foes, 
Nor  need  iheir  ambufh  fear  : 

Becaufe  my  life-guard  alfo  goe* 
Behiud  me  in  the  rear. 

By  faith  I  walk,  I  run,  I  fly.    ' 
By  faith  I  fuffer  thrall ; 


By 


Part   VI.  The  Believer's    Principles.  Xx 

By  faith  I'm  fit  to  live  and  die, 
By  faith  I  can  do  all. 

SECT.     V. 

T he  heights  and  depths  offenfe. 

WHen  Heav'n  me  grants  at  certain  'times, 
A  mid  ft  a  pow'rful  gale, 
Sweet  liberty  to  mone  my  crimes^ 
And  wand'rings  to  bewail ; 

Then  do  I  dream  my  finful  broody 

Drown'd  in  the  ocean-main 
Of  cryftal  tears  and  crimfon  blood, 

Will  never  live  again. 

I  get  my  foes  beneath  my  feet, 

I  bruife  the  ferpent's  head; 
I  hope  the  vicVry  is  compleat, 

And  all  my  lulls  are  dead. 

How  gladly  do  I  think  and  fay, 

When  thus  it  is  with  me, 
Sin  to  my  fenfe  is  clean  away, 

And  fo  Shall  ever  be  ? 

But  ah,  alas !  th'  enfuing  hour 

My  lulls  arife  and  fweil, 
They  rage  and  re-infcrce  their  pow'r, 

With  new  recruits  from  hell. 

Though  I  refolv'd  and  fwore  through  grace 

In  very  folemn  terms, 
I  never  mould  my  lulls  embrace, 

Nor  yield  unto  their  charms ; 

Yet  fuch  deceitful  friends  they  are, 

While  1  no  danger  dream, 
I'm  fnar'd  before  I  am  aware, 

And  hurry'd  down  the  flream,  Into  , 


j  \  Gospel      Sonnets. 

Into  the  gulph  cf  fin  anon 

I'm  plunged  head  and  ears ; 
Grace  to  my/en/e  is  wholly  gone, 

And  I  am  chain'd  in  fears ; 

Till  flraight  my  Lord  with  fweet  furprize 

Returns  to  loofe  my  bands, 
With  kind  companion  in  his  eyes, 
And  pardon  in  his  hands. 

Yet  thus  my  life  is  nothing  elfe 

Butheav'n  and  hell  by  turns; 
My  foul  that  now  in  Gojben  dwells, 

Anon  in  Egypt  mourns. 

SECT.     VI. 

Taitb   and  frames  compared,  or  faith  building  upon  fenfe 
dij  covered. 

FAith  has  for  its  foundation  broad 
A  liable  rock  on  which  I  ftand, 
The  truth  and  faithfulness  of  God  : 
All  other  grounds  are  linking  fand. 

My  frames  and  feelings  ebb  and  flow; 

And  when  my  faith  depends  on  them. 
It  fleets  and  ilaggers  to  and  fro, 

And  dies  amidft  the  dying  frame, 

That  faith  is  furely  moil  unflay'd, 

Its  ftagg'ring  can't  be  counted  tfrange, 

That  builds  its  hope  of  lailing  aid 

On  things  that  ev'ry  moment  change. 

But  could  my  faith  lay  all  its  load 

On  Jefus*  everlaiting  name, 
Upon  the  rit;hteoufnefs  of  God, 

And  divine  truth  that's  Hill  the  fame: 

Could 


P  a R.T   VI.  The  Believer's  Principles . 

Could  I  believe  what  God  has  fpoke, 
Rely  on  his  unchanging  love, 

And  ceafe  to  grafp  at  fleeting  fmoak. 
No  changes  wouid  my  mountain  move. 

But  then,  how  foon  the  frame's  away, 
And  comfortable  feelings  fail ; 

So  foon  my  faith  falls  in  decay, 
And  unbelieving  doubts  prevail; 

This  proves  the  charge  of  latent  vice, 
And  plain  my  faith's  defects  may  ihow  5 

I  built  the  houfe  on  thawing  ice, 

That  tumbles  with  the  melting  fnow, 

When  divine  fmiles  in  fight  appear, 
And  I  enjoy  the  heav'nly  gale ; 

When  wind  and  tide,  and  all  is  fair, 
I  dream  my  faith  (hall  never  fail : . 

My  heart  will  falfe  concluiions  draw, 

That  ilrong  my  mountain  {hall  remain ; 

That  in  my  faith  there  is  no  flaw 
I'll  never  never  doubt  again,      g 

I  think  the  oidy  reft  I  take, 

Is  God's  unfading  word  and  namej 

And  fancy  not  my  faith  fo  weak, 
As  e'er  to  trurt  a  fading  frame. 

But  ah!  by  fudden  turns  I  fee 
My  lying  heart's  falacious  guilt, 

And  that  my  faith,  not  firm  in  me, 
On  finking  fand  was  partly  baik : 

For  lo !  when  warming  beams  are  gone, 
And  fhadows  fall ;  alas,  'tis  odd. 

I  cannot  v/ait  the  rifing  fun, 
I  cannot  trull  a  hiding  God= 


So 


YjS  C  o  s  ?  E  l     Sonnets. 

So  much  my  faith's  affiance  Teems 
Its  life  from  fading  joys  to  bring-, 

That  when  I  lofe  the  dying  ftreams, 
I  cannot  truft  the  living  fpring. 

When  drops  of  comfort  quickly  dry'd, 
And  fenfible  enjoyments  fail;  ~ 

When  chearing  apples  are  deny'd, 
Then  doubts  in itead  of  faith  prevail. 

But  why,  though  fruit  be  fnatch'd  from  me, 
Should  I  diftruit.  the  glorious  root; 

And  ftill  affront  the  landing  tree, 
By  trufting  more  to  falling  fruit  ? 

The  fmallefl  trials  may  evince 
My  faith  unfit  to  ftand  the  mock, 

That  more  depends  on  fleeting  fenfe, 
Than  on  the  fix'd  eternal  rock. 

The  fafeft  ark,  when  floods  arife, 

Is  liable  truth  that  changes  not; 
How  weak's  my  faith,   that  more  relies 

On  feeble  fen^s  floating  boat  ? 

For  when  the  fleeting  frame  is  gone, 
I  ftraight  my  ftate  in  queftion  call; 

I  droop  and  fink  in  deeps  anon, 
As  if  my  frame  were  all  in  all. 

But  though  I  mifs  the  pleafinggale, 

And  Heav'n  withdraw  the  charming  glance  ; 

Unlefs  Jehovah's  oath  can  fail, 
My  faith  may  keep  its  countenance. 

The  frame  of  nature  mail  decay, 

Time-changes  break  her  rtmry  chains ; 

Yea,  heav'n  and  earth  mall  pais  away; 
But  faith's  foundation  firm  remains. 


HeavVs 


Vf. 


The   Believer's  P 


rtncipi.es. 


HeavVs  promifes  To  nx'dly  itand, 

Ingrav'd  with  an  immortal  pen, 
In  great  Immanuel's  mighty  hand, 

All  hell's  attempts  to  raze  are  vain. 

Did  faith  with  none  but  truth  advife. 

My  fteady  foul  would  move  no  more, 
Than  liable  hills  when  tempefts  rife. 

Or  folid  rocks  when  billows  roar. 

But  when  my  faith  the  counfel  hears 

Of  prefent  fenfe  and  reafon  blind, 
My  wav'ring  fpirit  then  appears 

A  feather  tofs'd  with  ev'ry  wind* 

Lame  legs  of  faith  unequal  cfook  s 

Thus  mine,  alas  S  unevenly  fian*l, 
lite  I  would  tfufl  my  ftable  reek, 

Net  fading  frtffiii  uvk  fgeble  ftfld  s 

I  would,  whe n  dying  comforts  fly, 

A?  mueh  as  ^hcii  they  prefint  wert, 
Upon  my  living  joy  rely, 
"Help,  Lord,  for  here  I  daily  err, 

CHAP.     V. 

The   believer's  principles  concerning 
Heaven  and  Earth, 

SECT.     I. 

The  <vsork  and  contention  of  heaven, 

IN heav'nly  choirs  a  queilion  rofe, 
That  ftirr'd-up  ftrife  will  never  clofe. 
What  rank  of  all  the  ranfom'd  race 
Owes  higheft  praife  to  fov'reign  grace  ? 


Babes 


3  5  -8  "  Gospel     Sownetl. 

Babes  thither  caught  from  womb  and  breaft, 
Claim'd  right  to  fing  above  the  reft  ; 
Becaufe  they  found  the  happy  more 
They  never  faw  nor  fought  before. 

Thofe  that  arriv'd  at  riper  age 
Before  they  left  the  dufky  ftage, 
Thought  grace  deferv'd  yet  higher  praife, 
That  wafh'd  the  blots  of  num'rous  days. 

Anon  the  war  more  clofe  began, 
What  praifing  harp  fhould  lead  the  van? 
And  which  of  grace's  heav'nly  peers 
Was  deepeil  run  in  her  arrears  ? 

"  'Tis  I,   (faid  one),  'boveall  my  race, 

Cl  Am  debtor  chief  to- glorious  grace. " 

"  Nay,  (faid  another),  hark,  I  trow 

"  I'm  more  oblig'd  to  grace  than  you." 

M  Stay,  f  faid  a  third),  I  deepeft  fhare 
"  In  owing  praife  beyond  compare; 
"  The  chief  of  fmncrs,  you'll  allow, 
"  Muft  be  the  chief  of  finders  now." 


"  -Hold,   (faid  a  fourth),  I  here  proteft 
"  My  praifes  muft  outvye  the  beftj 
"  For  fm  of  all  the  human  race 
«'  The  higheft  miracle  of  grace." 

t(  Stop,  (faid  a  fifth),  thefe  notes  forbear,. 
•'  Lo,  I'm  the  greateft  wonder  here; 
*«  For  I  of  all  the  race  that  fell, 
*'  Deferv'd  the  loweft  place  in  bell." 

A  foul  that  higher  yet  afpir'd, 

With  equal  love  to  Jefus  hVd, 

u  'Tis  mine  to  fing  the  higheft  notes 

"  To  iove,.  that  wafh'd  the  fouleft  blots." 


Ho, 


Part  VI.  The  Believer's   Principles. 

iC  Ho,   (cry'd  a  mate),  'tis  mine  I'll  prove, 
"  Who  finn'd  in  fpite  of  light  and  love, 
"  To  found  his  praife  with  loudeit  bell, 
"  That  fav'd  me  from  the  lowelt  bell." 

"  Come,  come,  (faid  one),  I'll  hold  the  plea, 
"  That  higheit  praife  is  due  by  me ; 
"  For  mine,  of  all  the  fav'd  by  grace, 
"  Was  the  moil  dreadful,  deip'ratccafe," 

Another  rihr.g  at  his  fide, 

As  fond  to  praife,  and  free  of  pride, 

Cry'd,  "  Pray  give  place,  fori  defy 

"  That  you  mould  owe  more  praife  than! : 

■**  I'll  yield  tonone  in  this  debate; 
'*  I'm  run  fo  deep  in  grace's  debt, 
'  "  Thatfure  I  am,  I  boldly  can 
6 '  Compare. with  all  the  heav'nly  clan." 

Quick  b5er  their  heads  a  trump  awoke, 
"  Your  fongs  my  very  heart  have  fpoke; 
"  But  ev'ry  note  you  here  propale, 
"  Belongs  to  me  beyond  you  all." 

The  lilt'ning  millions  round  about 
With  fweet  refentment  loudly  fhout; 
"  What  voice  is  this,  comparing  no  res, 
"  That  to  their  fong  chief  place  ailotes  ? 

"  We  can't  allow  of  fuch  a  found, 
*'  That  you  alone  have  higheft  ground 
"  To  ling  the  royalties  of  grace; 
"  We  claim  the  fame  adoring  place." 

What  I  will  no  rival-finger  yield 
He  has  a  match  upon  the  field  ? 
"  Come  then,  and  let  us  all  agree 
"  To  praife  upon  the  highell  key." 


351 


Thes. 


360  Gospel     Sonnets. 

Then  jointly  all  the  harpers  round 
In  mind  unite,  with  foJemn  found, 
And  ftroaks  upon  the  higheft  firing, 
Made  all  the  heav'nly  arches  rina  : 

Ring  loud,  with  Hallelujah's  high, 
To  him  that  fent  his  Son  to  die ; 
And  to  the  worthy  Eamb  of  God, 
That  lo'v'd  s.nd  nvajh'd  them  in  his  blood. 

Free  grace  was  fov'reign  emprefs  crown'd 
In  pomp,  with  joyful  fhouts  around : 
Aflifting  angels  clapp'd  their  wings, 
And  founded  grace  on  all  their  firings. 

The  emulation  round  the  throne 
Made  profirate  hofts  (who  ev'ry  one 
The  humbleft  place  their  right  avow) 
Strive  <who  Jhouid give  the  Icweft  blow. 

The  next  contention  without  vice 
Among  the  birds  of  paradife, 
Made  ev'ry  glorious  warbling  throat 
Strive  who  Jhouid  rai/e  the  higheft  note. 

Thus  in  ftveet,  holy,  humble  ftrife, 
Along  their  endlefs,  joyful  life, 
Oijefus  all  the  harpers  rove, 
And  fing  the  wonders  of  his  love. 

Their  difcord  makes  them  all  unite 
In  raptuVes  moll  divinely  lweet ; 
So  great  the  fong,  fo  grave  the  bafe, 
Melodious  mufic  fills  the  place. 

SECT.     II. 

Earth  defpicable,  heaven  deferable. 


T 


Here's  nothing  round  the  fpacious  earth 
To  fuit  my  vafi  defires ;  T« 


P  a  R  r  .VI;  *he  Believer's  Principles.  3  6 

To  more  refin'd  and  {olid  mirth 
My  boundlefs  thought  afpires. 

.  Fain  would  I  leave  this  mournful  place, 
This  mufic  dull,  where  none 
But  heavy  notes  have  any  grace, 
And  mirth  accents  the  moan : 

Where  troubles  tread  upon  reliefs, 

New  woes  with  older  blend  ; 
Where  rolling  florins  and  circling,  griefs 

Run  round  without  an  end : 

Where  waters  wreilling  with  the  Hones, 

Do  fight  themfelves  to  foam, 
And  hollow  clouds  with  thund'ring  groans 

Difcharge  their  pregnant  womb  : 

Where  eagles  mounting  meet  with  rubs 

That  dafh  them  from  the  fey ; 
And  cedars,  fhrinking  into  fhrubs, 

In  ruin  proflrate  lie : 

Where  /in  the  author  of  turmoils, 

The  caufe  of  death  and  bell, 
The  one  thing  foul  that  all  things  foils, 

Does  moll  befriended  dwell. 

The  purchafer  of  night  and  woe, 

The  forfeiter  of  day, 
The  debt  that  ev'ry  man  did  owe, 

But  only  God  could  pay. 

Bewitching  ill,  indors'd  with  hope, 

Subfcribed  with  defyair : 
Ugly  in  death  when  eyes,  are  ope, 

Though  life  may  paint  it  iair. 

§mall  wonder  that  I  droop  alone 
In  fuch  a  doleful  place  $ 

H  h  When 


jb^  Gospel     Sonnets. 

When  lo,  my  deareft  friend  is  gone, 
My  Father  hides  his  face. 

And  though  in  words  I  feem  to  fhow 

The  fawning  poet's  ftyle, 
Yet  is  my  plant  no  feigned  woe; 
I  languilh  in  exile. 

I  long  to  mare  the  happinefs 

Of  that  triumphant  throng, 
That  fvvim  in  feas  of  boundlefs  blifs 

Eternity  along. 

When  but  in  drops  here  by  the  way 

Free  love  diftils  itfelf, 
I  pour  contempt  on  hills  of  prey, 

And  heaps  of  worldly  pelf. 

To  be  amidft  my  little  joys, 

Thrones,  fceptres,  crowns,  and  kings, 
Are  nothing  elfe  but  little  toy;, 

And  GJefpicahle  things  - 

Down  with  difdain  earth's  pomp  I  thruft, 

Bid  tempting  wealth  away ; 
Heav'/i  is  not  made  of  yellow  dufl, 

Nor  blifs  of  glittering  clay. 

Sweet  was  the  hour  I  freedom  felt 

T    call  my  Jefus  mine ; 
To  ree  his  mailing  face,  and  mek 

In  pleafures  all  divine. 

tec  feels  an  heav'n  of  fhades  purfue, 

But  I  for  fubilance  am  : 
The  heanSn  I  feek  is  likentfs  too> 

And  njifton  of  the  Lamb  : 

The  worthy  Lamb  with  glory  crown'd 
In  his  augult  abode ; 


Fart,  VI.  The  Believer's  Principles. 

Inthron'd  fublime,  and  deck'd  around 
With  all  the  pomp  of  God. 

I  long  to  join  the  faints  above, 

Who,  crown'd  with  glorious  bays, 

Through  radiant  files  of  angels  move, 
And  rival  them  in  praife : 

In  praife  to  J  A  H,  the  God  oflove> 

The  fair  incarnate  Son, 
The  holy  co-eternal  Dove, 

The  good,  the  great  Three-one, 

In  hope  to  fing  without  a  fob 

The  anthem  ever  new, 
I  gladly  bid  the  dully  globe, 

And  vain  delights,  Jdieu. 


FINIS. 


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